GOSPEL
Matthew 14:22-36
After the crowd had eaten and were satisfied: Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’ And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’
And when they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. And when the men of that place recognised him, they sent word around to all that region and brought to him all who were sick and implored him that they might only touch the fringe of his garment. And as many as touched it were made well.
The Gospel of the Lord
Today, with these words, Jesus Himself invites us to trust Him—even when it feels like He’s asking us to “walk on water.” If He’s asking, it’s because, with faith in Him, we will be upheld. He will never abandon us. We must remain certain that He is behind all that is good, and even behind what might not appear good to us. Let us accept this invitation from Jesus—and stop looking at ourselves, our own criteria, our reasons, our pride. Let us renew our purity of intention with a simple cry: “Lord, save me. Without You, I am lost.”
Applied to Married Life
James: I spoke with one of the couples we accompany today. He told me he’s had enough—after everything his wife has done, he wants to separate. He just kept saying, “This isn’t going to change. It’ll never change.”
Margaret: Poor thing. I understand him. He’s been fighting for so long—it’s only human to feel hopeless. But what man cannot do, God can. Where we fall short, the grace of God can reach. Look at us, James: today we celebrate 20 years of marriage, and we’ve also gone through moments of doubt—doubt about each other, about our future. Before we started living our faith deeply within our marriage, I was so easily tempted by the enemy. It was always easier to spot the speck in your eye than to acknowledge the plank in my own heart. But now, when I’m in turmoil—when the “winds” blow with suspicion or fear—I simply say to the Lord: “Save me from my misery. Help me to trust in Your plan for my marriage.” And I assure you, since we began the Marriage Mission journey, our marriage has completely changed.
James: You’re right, Margaret. What you’ve said brings so much light. That husband you mentioned is spiritually starved—he hasn’t been feeding on the Lord or surrendering to Him. He’s too focused on his own feelings and fears—seeing only the wind. I need to tell him to deepen his prayer life, so he can begin to see his wife through the eyes God sees her with. Thank you, love, for always bringing me back to what matters.
Margaret: And thank God for our wedding anniversary today—and for the light He has brought into our lives in these recent years.
Mother,
Teach me, like you, to fix my gaze only on God, so that I too may walk upon any stormy sea. Praised be the Lord!