August 7, Tuesday of the 18th Week in Ordinary Time-B

Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22

Psalm 102

Matthew 14:22-36

You shall be my people and I will be your God.  Jer. 30:22

“Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”  Mt. 14:27

Lord, Peter and his shipmates were struggling against the wind all night.  They were maybe on the brink of physical exhaustion. You came to them just before dawn and they were terrified at your appearance.  Lord, we sometimes have doubts and fears when the wind is against us in life.  We can cry out for help when we start to sink in over our heads in trouble.  You say to me, like you said to the Apostles, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”  Help me to focus more on your power and your blessings than on the waves.  Lord, I want to put my complete trust in you but you know that can be hard at times.  Not any of my problems is too much for you.  I believe you already know how you will answer my plea even before I call out to you.  To stretch my faith it may be best that I row against the wind for a while but in the end I know you will be there to reach out your hand and catch me.  Amen.