TODAY'S GOSPEL- A GOD WHO BREAKS FORTH

After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.

When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.

During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. "It is a ghost., they said, and they cried out in fear.

At once Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid."

Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on water."

He said, "Come".

Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened, and, beginning to sink, he cried out, " Lord, save me!"

Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" After they got into the boat, the wind died down.

Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."

- Don't be a square! Our Filipino expression would put it: "hindi ka dapat de kahon." And this means, we have to go beyond the rules of the game, beyond our expectations!

We cannot really put God in a box. How many times we pray that God would fulfill things in our life and in return vow to do good things? But God is beyond this kind of logic. There are turbulent and serene days of our lives, and God always abides with us. Jesus also as a true Son pf God is there, first to stretch out to us. Jesus teaches us a way to value this everlasting presence: "he went up on a mountain by himself to pray." Yet even in prayer, we have to let God lead the way.

Thanks to Hansel B Mapayo, SSP for this inspirational message. Have a blessed Sunday everyone!