The walking on the water
AFTER the crowd had eaten their fill, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. 33Those who were in the boat did him homeage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”
REFLECTION HE CAME TOWARD THEM, WALKING ON THE SEA. Jesus shows his power over nature by walking on water and calming the waves that terrify Peter. Once again, focusing on Peter, we see how eager and willing he is as a disciple, and yet, he is not strong enough when challenges come his way.
Peter is a paradigm for many of us who desire to follow Jesus. We have all the enthusiasm and zeal that get tested and purified by trials and difficulties. But as long as we cry out for help and do not let go of the Lord’s hand, like Peter we can be saved from sinking and, in the process, learn to trust God and have greater confidence in Jesus.
The memorial of the basilicas dedicated to the apostles Peter and Paul reminds us that God uses weak human instruments in building up God’s Kingdom and transforms them into courageous witnesses. Are we afraid to walk on the water of faith? Let us come to Jesus and let him hold us up.