"...He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray." (Mt.14)

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

The title of this post is taken from today’s Gospel for Mass. It s a long section from Mt 14 so I will post the entire Gospel, but hopefully you will also listen to the First Readig, the Responsorial Psalm and Alleluia Verse – for All Scripture is important – God’s Word reveals to us – all we need to hear and ponder that we may know and do His Truth.

Gospel

Jesus made the disciples get into a boat
and precede Him to the other side of the sea,
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 the 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 him,
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.”

After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret.
When the men of that place recognized Him,
they sent word to all the surrounding country.
People brought to Him all those who were sick
and begged Him that they might touch only the tassel on His cloak,
and as many as touched it were healed.

Listening to the beautiful Truth that Jesus “…went up on the mountain by Himself and prayed.” is enough to ponder for a lifetime yet I need to keep listening for I realize God’s Wisdom is given in every word He speaks, and I need to keep asking the Holy Spirit to bring me into the fullness of His Love and His Truth, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church. Without God, we can do nothing!

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your Faithful. Kindle in us the Fire of Your Love. Jesus, Incarnate Word made flesh in the womb of Mary, I trust in You! Mary, Mother of the Church, pray for us.

 

[hazcompat]

We too can seek Him alone, on the mountain top!

Peace

 

[MariaChristi]

We too can seek Him alone, on the mountain top!

Peace

Thanks for your reply, hazcompat. Hopefully we seek Him alone, often!

Yet it can be difficult in today’s world of so much haste, noise, traffic of all sorts everywhere, it seems! With God’s help, we need to find that solitary place where we can be quiet in order to listen and/or speak to Him.

Jesus in His “Sermon on the Mount” tells us:

“When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on street corners so that others may see them. Amen, I say to you, they have received their reward.

But when you pray, go to your inner room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you." (Mt 6: 5-6)

 

[MariaChristi]

Dear GioG12 and Stephie,

Thank you both for your encouraging “hearts”. If you heard anything in particular that inclined you to “like” what you read, perhaps you can share it with others.

 

[StephieNorthCo]

There are a few Catholics at work I generally share these with. Thank you so much!

 

[MariaChristi]

How good to read your reply. Stephie!

Catholics need to hear God’s Word everyday – to learn from Him and grow closer to Him, through Mary. Thanks so much for caring enough about our brothers and sisters that you share God’s Word with them. Thanks so much for sharing that “Good News” here !!!