Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A Gospel

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew.

While dismissing the crowds, Jesus insisted that the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side.  Having sent them away, Jesus went up on the mountain by himself to pray, remaining there alone as evening drew on.  Meanwhile the boat, already several hundred yards out from shore, was being tossed about in the waves raised by strong head winds.

At about three in the morning, Jesus came walking toward them on the lake.  When the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water, they were terrified.  “It is a ghost!” they said, and in their fear they began to cry out.  Jesus hastened to reassure them, “Get hold of yourselves! It is I – Don’t be afraid!”

Peter spoke up and said, “If it is really you, tell me to come to you across the water.”  “Come!” Jesus said.  So Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water, and go toward Jesus.  But when he saw how strong the wind was, he became frightened.  He began to sink, and cried out, “Save me!”  Jesus at once stretched out his hand and caught Peter.  “Little faith!”  Jesus called him.  “Why did you doubt?”  Once they had climbed into the boat, the wind died down.

Those who were in the boat showed great reverence, declaring to Jesus, “You are indeed the Firstborn of God!”

The Good News as spoken through Matthew.