GOSPEL READING
THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
Walking on the Water: Mt 14,22-33
This is the second scene telling of the disciples being in a boat during a storm (see 8,23-27). As before, Ps 107,23-32 provides a good background. Note what Matthew has added to Mark's account (Mk 6,45-52).
Whereas in 8,23 Jesus gets into the boat with the disciples, this time he almost forces the disciples into the boat (14,22) while he goes off by himself (14,23) up the mountain to pray. We saw the signifcance of mountains in the overview for the Gospel. This is the first time this Gospel speaks of Jesus at prayer, note the emphasis added by Matthew. For Jesus' need to be alone see also 12,13.
In verse 24 therefore we have the disciples (4,18-22) in the boat struggling with a storm. See, for example, Jonah 1,1-16.
For Jesus walking on the water in verse 25, see Job 9,8, Is 43,16 and Habakkuk 3,15.
The night was divided into four watches so the fourth watch would have been towards daylight.
In verse 27, Jesus says, literally: "Courage, I am". This does not translate well into English but consider how there are echoes here of Ex 3,14. See also Is 41,4; 43,10.
What is Matthew telling us about Jesus?
It is Peter who reacts in verse 28 and we will soon be seeing more of him. What does Peter call Jesus? Why is this significant?
In verses 29 and 30, Peter begins to walk. What does he cry once he starts to sink (see 8,25)?How does Jesus speak of Peter in reply? See 6,30 or 8,26.
For the wind dying down: Ps 65,7
Worship or homage in verse 33: we have seen this to be a common reaction in Matthew: see 2,11, 8,2 or 9,18. For what the disiciples say, see 16,16. Note the contrast with the conclusion in Mark, Mk 6,52.
Summary: Mt 14,34-36
The last three verses of the chapter are a short summary of Jesus' activity. Look back at Mt 9,20. How does bring out the significance of the proclamation of the disciples in verse 33?
Now consider my response.
Sunday Gospel
The whole scene of the walking on water, Mt 14,22-33, is read as the gospel for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time.
As you may realise by now, I think it is important to say that Jesus that "went up the mountain" for this Gospel rather than "going into the hills" which is the expression in the Jerusalem version.
The Old Testament passage chosen to accompany this Gospel is that of Elijah on Mount Horeb, 1 Kings 19,9.11-13. It is as well to read the whole of 1 Kings chapter 19.
Look around the translations and see the different phrases used to describe Elijah's experience of God (1K 19,12).
How then does this reading go with the Gospel?
Now look at my response.
We can now continue with our overview of chapter 15.