The Walking on the Water

Today's Reflections

The Walking on the Water 

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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.

Reflection:

Why did you doubt? At the Lord’s command, Peter walks on water toward Jesus, but then he begins to sink. Why? Peter has taken his eyes off Jesus. Instead of focusing on Jesus, Peter pays more attention to the wind and the waves. Peter puts emphasis on the distance and danger between him and Jesus. Peter does not see that Jesus, in times of danger and death, is his strength and savior.

The Gospel has a fitting ending. Peter experiences failure. He sinks because of doubt. But the beauty of it is that at the moment of failure, Peter takes the outstretched hand of Jesus and gets up. The wonderful thing about Peter is that every time he falls, he rises. And his failure brings him closer to Jesus.

When things get stormy in life, what or whom do you trust?

When your cross becomes heavier, what do you do?