First Reading: Jer. 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22
Psalm: Ps. 102:16-18, 19-21, 29 and 22-23
Gospel: Mt. 14:22-36
The point of today’s gospel is not simply that Jesus has power over the elements, over the storm and the roiling sea. Matthew’s presentation of Jesus’ appearance on the sea is quite dramatic. It has the elements scripture normally employs to present a theophany, a manifestation of the divine. In his attempt to calm the disciples, Jesus’ words, “it is I,” also carry with them the connotation of the divine name, “I Am,” which, of course, deepens the sense of the mysterious. Yet this Jesus who takes on the appearance of the divine in the eyes of the disciples, provides them with assurance of his personal care for them. He is concerned about their well-being, he offers them hope.
Christians can be defined as people who live by hope. It is part of our history, our tradition, our inheritance, as surely as God is love.
