Into the boat, to the waves and the wind

In today's Gospel reading (Mt 14:22-33), ".. Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side..
After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. ..
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."

The commentary from dailygospel.org on this is from Origen, where he suggests "What was this boat into which Jesus forced his disciples to embark? Would it not be the struggle against temptation and difficult circumstances?... " This jumped out at me: to think that such challenges in life are somehow prepared by God, at least for these men, but perhaps for everyone else as well? Probably not in all cases, but in a sense, it doesn't matter if it was direct intervention or not: Jesus did command us to take up our daily cross and follow him. What does that mean then? These tribulations are part of God's plan. In Origen's thinking, it is part of how we are perfected:

"if we are ever in the grip of inevitable temptations, let us remember that Jesus forced us to embark. It is impossible to reach the other side without bearing with the trial of contrary waves and wind. Then, when we see ourselves surrounded by numerous and painful difficulties, worn out by sailing through their midst with the poverty of our means, let us think that then our boat is in the middle of the sea and the waves are trying to “make shipwreck of our faith” (1Tim 1,19)… Then let us be sure that towards midnight, when “the night is advanced and the day is at hand” (Rm 13,12), the Son of God will draw near to make the sea calm for us by walking on the waters."

May I suggest, and borrow from a phrase that's been going the rounds in the past few years at least: intentional discipleship. It is important to know from the outset what we face, what is expected, what is promised: the cross, faithful perseverance, and the grace of God in Jesus Christ. Time to sober up!

Catholic Answers Radio Club Drive until Monday August 19, 11:59 pm

Shameless plug for Catholic Answers drive: shameless because I cannot currently afford to contribute monthly (and I'm trying to work out what I can contribute for now -- and it won't be enough for the free gifts. For those who can, I cannot recommend it more highly. Apart from the free gifts, Catholic Answers is a very effective vehicle of evangelization.

The Transfiguration of the Lord

Thursday 6 August, 2014 is the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. I've included three links for reading and/or prayer on this important feast that may not figure as high up there as Easter and Christmas for most of us, but is pretty important in itself. The icon here is linked from the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Monastery, and it is wonderful to see that they celebrated the feast at the same time as Rome does.

First, Jennifer Gregory Miller blogs briefly about the feast itself, including a bit of history (Source: CatholicCulture.org). Second, Jimmy Akin briefly explains the event's significance. Third, Universalis.com provides a very brief primer on the feast as well as links to the day's prayers from the Liturgy of the Hours.

Finally, I wish I could link to the Lectio Divina last night with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, which was made even better by the Eucharist he celebrated last night with other priests of the Archdiocese of Melbourne. I'd love to blog about what was said but would not do it justice. There was so much content to unpack, even considering the moments of silence and prayer that interspersed the hour. I'm hoping that the Archdiocese will release a video!