Be merciful, O Lord, for we have sinned. — Psalm 51:(see 3)

Mass Readings: Numbers 12:1-13 / Matthew 14:22-36 or 15:1-2,10-14 

Take Courage 

Today’s Gospel sets us loose at sea, so to speak. Out in a boat at night without Jesus, the apostles were being tossed about by rough waves. As fishermen, they were used to storms but not to what they saw: a man walking on the water. Maybe it was a ghost! An ill omen, at the least. But Jesus breaks their superstitious thoughts and declares, “Take courage; it is I.” 

What words of strength and assurance. When we find ourselves tossed about by the waves of life with no safe harbor in sight, we may see strange things and fear others are against us. It’s time to take courage from Jesus and ask Him to guide us, saying with Peter when we seem to be sinking, “Lord, save me!” 

Prayer: Father, help me weather the storms of my life.