MARY, OUR MOTHER

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #292

And in the fourth watch of the night, he came to them walking upon the sea. And they seeing him walking upon the sea, were troubled, saying: "It is an apparition." And they cried out for fear. And immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying: "Be of good heart: it is I, fear ye not." And they that were in the boat came and adored him, saying: "Indeed thou art the Son of God." And having passed the water, they came into the country of Genesar. And when the men of that place had knowledge of him, they sent into all that country, and brought to him all that were diseased. And they besought him that they might touch but the hem of his garment. And as many as touched, were made whole. (Matt. 14:25-27; 33-36)

THE OBJECT OF THESE MIRACLES: These four miracles, in common with the preceding miracle of the loaves, and the miracle which followed of healing the sick by the very touch of His garments, had the object of quickening and strengthening the apostles' faith and of preparing them for the revelation of the great mystery of faith, the Real Presence of our Lord in the Holy Eucharist. The miracle of our Lord walking on the water was intended to explain to them the attributes of His glorified Body; and the healing of the sick by the touch of His garments foreshadowed the effects of receiving His Sacred Body, which our Lord described in the next chapter. If the very touch of His garments could heal the sick, surely it is not hard to believe that a soul can obtain everlasting life by receiving His Body and Blood.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)