When: Sunday, August 10, 2008 12:00 AM to Monday, August 11, 2008 12:00 AM (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada).
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Words written in red; Words of Jesus
Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking 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 for fear. But immediately he spoke to them, saying, "Take heart, it is I; have no fear." And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water." He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me." Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, "O man of little faith, why did you doubt?" And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Matthew 14: 22 – 33
Come , now! After saying so often," The cross, Lord, the cross," it is obvious you wanted a cross to your own taste.
— St. Josemaria Escriva
Abba, Father, Lord God, I read today’s Gospel and I feel Jesus telling me to ‘take heart, it is I; have no fear’. I try to hear each word Jesus spoke as if I was there when He spoke them, trying to feel what He meant at that moment and then as living words, words that He meant for the generations to come, that He knew we would be able to read, listen and feel. As the Son I know Jesus walked and felt what I feel, so I know that He knew He was also speaking to me, to us, whenever He spoke. He knew what I would face, feel, and even how I would react until I heard Him, humbling listening, humbling seeking, humbling asking; thus He says and ask ‘O man of little faith, why did you doubt?’ All the time knowing I would doubt and as St. Josemaria says ‘want a cross to my own taste’ to ease the doubt and make it easier to walk by faith. To choose as a man chooses, not obey as a son should obey. Jesus knew that I (we) would often create our own crosses never knowing that what we ask for may not be what we really want, need or can handle. He knew our doubt would create more doubt and that seeking our own path based on our human desires would lead to a cross we could not bear, alone. Jesus knew, Jesus knows what I need to know; help me learn, help me listen, help me follow. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Audio books I am listening to and other books or readings I am reading:
When I Lay My Isaac Down: Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances (Unabridged) By: Carol Kent Sometimes we make sacrifices to help us get ahead, to allow us more time with family, or because we believe in the cause. And then there are sacrifices in which we have no say, "Isaac experiences" as in Genesis 22, thrust upon us without warning or survival instructions. This audio book outlines eight transformational power principles that Gene and Carol Kent learned in the process of facing the news that forever changed their lives.
Becoming a Person of Influence By: John C. Maxwell and Jim Dornan "You can immediately [sense a] spark when you hear John Maxwell and Jim Dornan talk about leadership. Their understanding of influence is like mine for guitars; it’s woven into the fabric of their being." – (Bob Taylor, President, Taylor Guitars). With influence, you can achieve success at home, work, and in every other area of life.
One Walk 