In today’s Gospel reading from Matthew 14, we see Jesus walking on the water in the middle of the night. Peter tells Jesus, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus says, “Come.” So Peter gets out of the boat and starts to walk on the water. Imagine that feeling! Unfortunately, it didn’t last long. Peter begins to sink, but Jesus saves him. Just like He will for you and me when we begin to sink.
In the first reading from Jeremiah 30, God tells the people that He has punished them for their sins. But then He says that He will heal those wounds. And He reiterates His covenant with them. “You shall be my people, and I will be your God.” These were not just empty words. Not something to be taken lightly.
A covenant is not like a contract. A contract is an exchange of money or things for goods or services. A covenant is an exchange of persons; a total self giving. I give myself to you, and you give yourself to me. Too many people look at their relationship with God as some sort of contract. If I do enough good stuff, then God will reward me with money or material wealth or eternal life. But that’s not how it works. God gives Himself totally to us. To you! Will you do the same?
Father, thank you for giving us everything. Help us to give ourselves totally to you this day, that we might renew the covenant. Amen.
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