Gospel according to Matthew 14:22-36
There are moments when we too find ourselves in the midst of the storm. The wind of trials blows strongly, the waves of fear seem to overwhelm us, and we wonder where the Lord is. But today’s Gospel gives us a wonderful certainty: Jesus never abandons us. He comes toward us precisely when the night is darkest and repeats to us with infinite tenderness: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid!” Peter is able to walk on the water as long as his gaze remains fixed on Jesus. But when he notices the wind and the waves, doubt enters his heart and he begins to sink. This is what happens in our own life as well: when we fix our eyes on our problems, we lose peace; but when we keep our gaze turned toward Christ, we find again the strength to go forward. And even if we fall, one sincere cry is enough: “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately stretches out His hand, lifts us up, and holds us close to His heart. This is what we experience so many times in life: the Lord never fails us, and His mercy sustains us at every moment. Today, the Lord invites us to live a faith that trusts, a faith that does not allow itself to be overcome by fear, but abandons itself completely to His love. With Jesus in the boat of our heart, no storm will be able to steal our peace, because His love is stronger than every contrary wind, and His presence transforms every trial into a journey of hope, trust, and victory.
– Rosanna Dora De Lucia
