He went up on the mountain by himself to pray

Gospel of the Day (Matthew 14:22-36)

Then he made the disciples get into the 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, "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 toward 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 him, 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."

After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret.

When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed.

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Reflections:

"He went up on the mountain by himself to pray"

Dear brother, I am living in a desert place in Calabria, at some distance on all sides from human habitation. I am here with my fellow religious, some of whom are full of understanding. They keep holy and persevering watch as they wait for their Master's return so that they may open to him as soon as he knocks (Lk 12,36)...

What the silence and solitude of the desert bring of usefulness and heavenly rejoicing to those who love them, only they know who have experienced them. Strong men can recollect themselves there whenever they want to, remain in themselves, carefully cultivate the virtues and happily nourish themselves on the fruits of paradise. There we try hard to acquire the eye whose clear glance wounds the heavenly Bridegroom with love and whose purity allows us to see God. There we give ourselves to well-occupied rest and find calm in peaceful action. There God gives to his athletes in return for the labor of their combat the reward that they long for: a peace the world does not know and joy in the Holy Spirit...

Indeed, what could there be more contrary to reason, justice and to nature itself than to prefer the creature to the Creator, to pursue perishable goods rather than everlasting goods, earthly things rather than heavenly things?... Truth in person gives this advice to all: «Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest,» (Mt 11,28). Don't you think it is lacking in gratitude and a futile sorrow to be tormented by desires of gain, by cares and worries and fears?... Fly from these disturbances, my brother; pass from this world's tempests to the sure and peaceful rest of the haven.

Source: Daily Gospel