Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge and pay respect to the original and ongoing custodians of the land upon which our offices are situated. We commit to actively working alongside First Nations people for healing, reconciliation and justice.

The Catholic education faith community is inclusive and acknowledges that we are all made in the image and likeness of God and we are created in love. People of all faiths, genders, sexualities, abilities and cultures are therefore respected equally in the Sandhurst Catholic community.

We acknowledge the pain and suffering of all who have been hurt in body, mind and spirit by those who have betrayed the trust placed in them.

May we all stand tall, stand firm, grounded in truth, together as one.

A Reading from the Gospel of Matthew (14:22-33)

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

The Word of the Lord

Thanks be to God

Spiritual Reflection

The story confirms Jesus’ divinity and his disciples’ need to trust. As Peter steps onto the water but falters due to doubt, he is reminded of the importance of faith. This story mirrors our lives today—confronting storms of doubt and fear and finding solace in a trusting and loving God. Ultimately, Matthew’s story illustrates Christ's ability to calm life's storms, urging us to embrace faith, confront doubts, and find strength amidst adversity.

Jesus says to his disciples: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Is there something that is causing you fear at the moment?

Listen now as Jesus speaks these words of comfort to you.

Concluding Prayer

Loving God,

Like the disciples on stormy waters, we face challenges that test our faith. Grant us the courage to step out in trust, knowing you’ll be there to guide us.

When doubt surfaces, help us to find strength in Your presence, just as Peter found safety in Jesus.

Amen

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