A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew (14:22–33)
After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone.
Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear.
At once Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
He said, “Come.”
Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water towards Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”
Doubt
The Gospel scene reflects a reality lived by many people, and by many married couples. How often we feel battered by the waves, afraid that our marriage will sink. For each of us, our passions and unhealthy attachments eventually become a storm. When the Lord seems far away, the world gradually draws us into the tempest, often without us even noticing, and in those moments we experience our own fragility. Then, our senses, captivated by the pleasures of life, begin to see the Lord as though He were a ghost, and we start to doubt His wonderful plan.
In marriage, the same thing can happen. We begin to see our spouse as a stranger too. We no longer recognise him or her as the perfect help God lovingly prepared for us from all eternity. And we begin to doubt.
If your footing falters, if you start to sink, then cry out as Peter did: “Lord, save me!” Only He can take you by the hand and rescue you. Do not be afraid to ask Him for help.
Applied to Married Life
Lola: Ahh! At last, the holidays! Time to rest, enjoy the beach, meet up with friends, and forget about work…
Robert: Yes, it’s been an exhausting year. We really needed this break. But you’ve forgotten something on that list.
Lola: Oh? What have I forgotten?
Robert: The Lord. All year we’ve kept saying we haven’t had enough time for Him, and sometimes we’ve left Him until last. And as we’ve drifted away from Him, we’ve also drifted away from each other.
Lola: You’re right. But you know how difficult it is to find a church with daily Mass when you’re at the seaside. We’ll probably have to settle for Sunday Mass.
Robert: Actually, I’ve found a church only fifteen minutes from where we’re staying that has daily Mass. And on Thursday there’s a Proyecto Amor Conyugal Adoration, so we can try to go.
Lola: Really? That’s wonderful! You’re always thinking ahead, my love. And a Proyecto Amor Conyugal Adoration too—that’s brilliant!
Robert: Our shepherd told me that in the summer, families who holiday in the same place each year often organise Adoration there. That way we can continue attending and not miss it during the holidays.
Lola: I think that’s a great idea. We spend the whole year complaining that we don’t have enough time. Now that we do, let’s make the most of it by spending time with the Lord every day. Thank you for taking care of these things. I love you so much!
Mother,
Help us never to let go of your hand, and always to keep your Son before our eyes, so that we may turn to You whenever difficulties arise.
Blessed be God!