After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.
matthew 14:23
Reflection
After Jesus tells his disciples to leave before him on a boat, he goes off by himself to pray. Later that night, the disciples see Jesus walking on the water towards them and are frightened. Peter ends up walking on the water to Jesus but begins to sink, and Jesus saves him.
At the beginning of this Gospel, Jesus makes his disciples leave ahead of him. He goes to pray in solitude. Jesus’ example is a good one to follow. After spending time with his disciples and the crowds, he makes time to pray. Many times, after a full day of interacting with people or simply doing things, we are exhausted and feel that we don’t have the time to pray.
Yet Jesus clearly makes it a priority even after his full days of teaching and healing people. How can we follow Christ’s example? Sometimes it means praying in the morning before beginning the day, or taking a break in the afternoon. Other times, we do have to pray at night. Whatever time it is, remember to take a moment and pray in solitude. Let yourself reset in Christ for the remainder of your day. He will bring you peace and calm to an often chaotic life. Retreat to the mountain in your mind and let Jesus’ presence fill you with comfort and love.
Saint of the Day
Our Lady of Snows and Dedication of St. Mary Major Basilica
Today is the dedication of the St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome. This basilica is the largest church in the world that honors Mary. Today is also recognized as Our Lady of Snows because the church was built on the sight where miraculous snow fell in summer after a Roman couple, around the year 1000, pledged their fortune to Mary.
Our Lady of Snows, pray for us!
The Healing Word 