The Gospel passage proposed by Matthew presents Jesus who, after praying alone, approaches his disciples in the boat at the end of the night, walking on the water.
After crossing the lake, the people approach him to find healing for their bodies and souls.
The Poor Man of Assisi also sought a solitary relationship with the Father before encountering the crowd, who asked for healing in body and soul, perhaps by touching his rough tunic.
The crowd rushed devoutly because they wanted to 'be' with God.
Francis, servant of Christ, was a simple person but eager to 'dwell' with the Lord, to conform to his Gospel and to flourish and help his brothers grow in the way of fearless faith.
For this reason, as soon as he was free, he withdrew into solitude to pray for enlightenment and greater adherence to the divine plan, without fear.
The Sources portray Francis as "Alter Christus," in his image even in being alone "on the mountain" to penetrate the intimacy of the Father.
We read, in fact:
"Desiring to devote himself solely to God and to purify his spirit from the dust of the world, which might have contaminated him during his time with men, the blessed and venerable Father Francis withdrew one day to a place of recollection and silence [La Verna], abandoning the crowds who flocked to him every day to listen to him and see him.
He used to divide and allocate the time granted to him to acquire graces, as he saw fit, partly for the good of his neighbour and partly for solitary contemplation. He therefore took with him a few companions, among the most intimate and close to his life, to protect him from visits and disturbances from men and to be loving and faithful guardians of his peace.
He remained in that solitude for a certain period, and having attained an extraordinary familiarity with God through intimate prayer and frequent contemplation, he longed to know what in him and in him might be most pleasing to the eternal King" (FF 479).
He knew, in fact, that he would help develop the fearful faith of his disciples only through a trusting abandonment to God, who does not cause them to waver or drown in dangers.
In the face of adverse winds, the solidity of the existential "boat" in God's hands brings salvation.
«And dismissing the crowds, he went up the Mount by himself to pray» (Mt 14:23)
Tuesday of the 18th week in O.T. (Mt 14:22-36)
