Welcome to our Sunday Worship in Leesfield Parish on the 10th Sunday after Trinity. Our church services today are at the usual times of 9.15 am at St Agnes' and 11 am at St Thomas'.
If you are unable to be with us in person, you can find the Gospel reading, a reflection and prayers below.
Our first hymn this morning is "Deep Peace of the Running Wave to You"
Today's Gospel
Matthew 14:22-33
Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Reflection
This Gospel account from Matthew is the second encounter Jesus has on the sea with the disciples. If you recall in Matthew 9:23 there was the incident where Jesus calmed the storm when they were all frightened for their lives because they were being battered in a boat. His calm and reassuring words were, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?”.
In this instance, the disciples are again afraid, not so much about the wind, but this time because they believe they are having an encounter with a malevolent ghost. We are told that by evening the boat was already far away from land and now it was the early hours of the morning so they could well be a mile or more away from the shore. Therefore, seeing someone approaching in the darkness of night would have been enough to terrify anyone.
But then Jesus speaks and immediately their fears begin to subside. Isn’t it wonderful how His presence immediately brings a sense of comfort and calmness?
To some people the story is about Peter’s lack of faith, but I think this is quite unfair. Think about the scenario. The disciples have just seen Jesus walking towards them on a windy and rough sea, and Jesus simply says to Peter. “Come”. What would you do? How would you feel about stepping out of the boat? The point is, at that moment in time, and having just witnessed another miracle of Jesus walking on water, Peter does not hesitate at all. He is totally focussed on Jesus and absolutely trusts Him, no matter how bizarre the request seems. Peter does have faith in Jesus.
However, it is when Peter is distracted by the wind and waves that he starts to get a bit scared and momentarily his confidence in Jesus wavers, so he begins to sink. Jesus responds in much the same way as he did before he calmed the storm; “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”.
I think the point being, that we should not let our faith waver every time we go through a rough patch in our lives. Of course we all get worried and frightened by troubles that happen in our lives or to those we care about. We are only human. But it is at that very time that we need to have faith in Jesus and trust in Him most. It is in those times that we need to pray and perhaps ask the question, ‘How can we come to Jesus’ reassuring presence in our times of difficulty?’ Paul
Our Prayers
Merciful and loving Jesus,
Help us to remember that you are there for us.
When we are troubled, help us not to so distracted,
that we forget to put our trust in You,
Give us confidence and faith to step toward You.
Amen
Today's final hymn is "Lead Us, Heavenly Father, Lead Us"
Notices
Next week the will be a Parish Eucharist at 11 am at St Thomas', with no service at St Agnes'.
