In Matthew’s gospel text, an interesting interaction occurs between Jesus and Peter. At the same time, Jesus is totally in control of (including the presumed ability to anticipate Peter’s reaction to) the entire situation as it unfolds on the Sea of Galilee; on the other hand, Peter’s reaction is entirely external and thus outside of the control of Jesus.

WE HAVE TODAY in the Gospel a continuation of last week’s story about the feeding of thousands of people by Jesus in the desert. Immediately after the event, we are told that Jesus “made” the disciples get into the boat and go to the opposite shore while he himself sent the crowds away.

Do I listen to Jesus in the ordinary events of my life, or only in the dramatic ones?

Gospel: Matthew 17: 1–9
This is my beloved Son in whom I am well-pleased. Listen to him.

What do the parables illuminate about the experiences of your life?

Gospel: Matthew 13: 44–52
Every scribe who has been instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like the head of a household who brings from his storeroom both the new and the old.

“Such a deal!” You can almost hear the young king Solomon say that to God in our first reading. Imagine getting an invitation from the Almighty, “Ask something of me and I will give it to you.” What an opportunity!