The Walking on the Water

Today's Reflections

 

 

The Walking on the Water

Mt 14:22-36

²²[Jesus] made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side [of the sea], while he dismissed the crowds. ²³After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. ²⁴Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. ²⁵During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. ²⁶When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. ²⁷At once [Jesus] spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” ²⁸Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” ²⁹He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. ³⁰But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” ³¹Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” ³²After they got into the boat, the wind died down. ³³Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

³⁴After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. ³⁵When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick ³⁶and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed.

O you of little faith, why did you doubt? Peter wants to walk on the water and for a short while he does. But his faith is challenged by the strong winds and big waves—and by his fear. He starts to sink and Jesus comes to his rescue!

Like Peter, we want to be able to walk on the waters of life. We want to be on top of every situation. But fear and doubt soon drag us down. Faced by trials, we are overcome by fear. We doubt our ability to cope. We forget about God’s infinite grace.

The life of John Mary Vianney, patron saint of parish priests worldwide, shows us how a man of faith could overcome obstacles and perform deeds that seem impossible. He remained steadfast in faith and was able to bring people back to God.

“Prayer is to our soul what rain is to the soil.

Fertilize the soil ever so richly, it will remain barren

unless fed by frequent rains” (St. John Mary Vianney).