Monday of the 18th week in ordinary time
Jeremiah 28: 1-17 Mathew 14: 22-36
Theme: Time to pray
In the gospel reading of today from St. Mathew, after Jesus have finished feeding the crowds, he dismissed them and asked his disciples to use the boat and go to the other side. One would expect that after spending time preaching and healing the sick, he would have joined his disciples on the boat or rested. But instead, after sending them away, he took time to go and pray on his own. He had to go and commune with his heavenly father, after the time he had with the crowds. It is wonderful how Jesus continued to live a life of prayer all through his ministry. No matter the people around him, he always had time for prayer.
This brings me to a very important question today, do you have the time for your personal prayer like Jesus? In this situation the communal prayer is not enough, you also need your personal prayer. This is when you will have the opportunity to concentrate on personal issues and things that are dear to you. Thus, a combination of the personal prayer and the communal prayer is what we all need in our lives. Sometimes we use work as an excuse why we cannot say our personal prayers, and we forget that it is through prayer that we will continue to replenish what we give out to other people. Always remember that your life as a Christian is like the candlelight. As it is burning and giving light, it is also gradually coming to its end. So, we must always go to the father to replenish what we have given out to others. None of us can be busier than Jesus, he always found the time to go somewhere quiet to pray. Granted sometimes we may be tired, but it shouts not be a reoccurring thing.
Also, we see how the faith of Peter helped him to walk on water to meet Jesus. But the moment fear and doubt set in, he started to sink, and he called out to Jesus and was rescued. The assertion of Jesus to his disciples, take heart, it is I, have no fear, should always be a source of strength to nus at such moments in our lives. Jesus is always ready and willing to say these words to anyone of us who reach out to him when we are faced with the challenges and difficulties of life. At such moments what we need is faith in God, not doubt or fear. Just trust in him and allow him to do his thing, and you will be surprised by the outcome. He has not changed, he can still say those words to you today, do you believe? May the Lord bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit, Amen. Peace be with you.