Matthew 14:22-36 NRSVue

²²Immediately he made the disciples get into a boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. ²³And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, ²⁴but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. ²⁵And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. ²⁶But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. ²⁷But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

²⁸Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” ²⁹He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. ³⁰But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” ³¹Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³²When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. ³³And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

³⁴When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. ³⁵After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word to that whole surrounding region, and people brought all who were sick to him ³⁶and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak, and all who touched it were healed.

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Reflection on Matthew 14:22-36

Inspiration from 2025-08-05 Daily Prayer

When Peter heard Jesus say to him, ‘Come’, he bravely got out of the boat and began to walk on the water towards Jesus. Jesus bids all of us to come to him through the ups and downs that we encounter in life. Have we the courage and faith to trust that he will support us in every circumstance?

Peter pays too much attention to the wind and waves and so becomes fearful and loses his focus on the Lord. But Jesus takes him by the hand and rescues him. He will do this with us despite our fears and lack of faith. Let us pray to trust him more.

Further reflection

Identify with the feelings of Jesus as he hears of the death of John the Baptist. What are his thoughts at this time? What is the content of his prayer? Make out a prayer that you think Jesus might have made.

Imagine yourself in the boat with the disciples and listen to what they say as the storm develops.

Listen to them as they observe the figure coming across the water!

Note how Peter’s trust slips when he turns his focus from Jesus to himself. Reflect on your own life and draw some conclusion.