Tuesday, August 5, 2025
Nm 12:1-13; Mt 14:22-36
Today’s Gospel highlights two contrasting images of faith.
On the one hand, we see Peter stepping out onto the water, only to begin sinking when fear overtakes him. On the other hand, we see the crowds rushing to touch just the tassel of Jesus’ cloak, and as they believed, ‘all who touched it were healed.’
Reflecting on Peter, we find him bold enough to walk on water with Jesus’ permission. However, when he looks at the terrifying winds and waves, he begins to sink. Here, Peter’s problem was not the presence of fear but the shift of focus – from Jesus to the winds and waves. Spiritual distractions work the same way. When our focus on Jesus changes, problems loom so large that we may hardly see Jesus.
If we contrast Peter’s doubt to the faith of the crowd at Gennesaret, we find something amazing. The crowd did not demand Jesus’ personal attention. Nor did they seek signs or explanations. They simply believed that they would be healed if they touched only the tassel of Jesus’ cloak and all who touched it were healed. Gaining spiritual strength often happens through simple but profound gestures that manifest our faith.
If we look at Jesus’ response to both events, we have a great lesson to learn.
When Peter falters, Jesus lifts him up. When people walk to him in faith, he heals them. In both places, Jesus reveals his infinite goodness. Jesus remains the same, either in our fear or in our faith.
Let us pray that we may imitate the simple faith of people to overcome our doubts.
Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar
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Jesus remains the same, either in our fear or in our faith.
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