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Today's Gospel: Mt. 14:22-36

If you wanted to somehow convince people that Jesus was just a wise teacher or something, this is the wrong passage to use. Jesus is walking on water, healing people, and doing the exact opposite of preparing the people to receive someone else. He's their God and King; who else is there to receive?

Think of the anticipation building in the hearts of the well-disposed: perhaps the long humiliation of the broken covenant will be turned back! Perhaps the new covenant spoken of by Jeremiah is coming to pass. Is this the year of the Lord's favor?

Peter is such a picture of us in our inconsistency: alternately bold and cowardly. Jesus' coming does express intimacy and love, but today, he wants us to see his power. If we are moved to a holy boldness, it's because we see that no earthly power can stand against Him. Grace makes us willing, not only not to oppose Him, but to join Him with our whole hearts. St. John Vianney, pray for us!
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