August 13, 2023 - One Bread, One Body
August 13, Nineteenth Sunday Ordinary Time
Cycle A Readings:
1) 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13
Psalm 85:9-14
2) Romans 9:1-5
Matthew 14:22-33
Jesus, I trust in you
“It is I.” —Matthew 14:27
By walking on the sea, Jesus manifested Himself to His apostles. They were captivated, even “terrified,” by the miraculous sight of a person walking on the water (Mt 14:25-26). Jesus spoke to the apostles, revealing His divine identity by saying “It is I” (Mt 14:27; see also Ex 3:14; Jn 8:58).
When St. Peter encountered Jesus showing His sovereignty over the chaos of the sea, he said to Jesus, “Lord, if it is really You, tell me to come to You” (Mt 14:28). Jesus then responded: “Come!” (Mt 14:29)
Simon Peter spoke words that Jesus would surely like to hear coming from our own lips. Have you ever felt that the Lord was calling you in a certain direction, but you weren’t sure if it was truly Him? Jesus would surely like us to respond as Simon Peter, “Lord, if this is truly Your leading, tell me clearly.” Jesus answers, “Come to Me” (Mt 11:28; Mt 14:29).
The next step is ours. We may falter and begin to sink in our troubles. Imitate Simon Peter by crying out to Jesus, “Lord, save me!” (Mt 14:30) Jesus may seem far away, but, as you cry out to Him, immediately His arm is there to lift you up (Mt 14:31). “Trust in Him at all times” (Ps 62:9).
Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me water-walking faith. Jesus, I trust in You.
Promise: “The Lord Himself will give His benefits; our land shall yield its increase.” —Ps 85:13
Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who gives us life by His death!
Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from August 1, 2023, through September 30, 2023.
†Most Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio January 4, 2023.
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.