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?”-Matt 14:27-31
Friends,
God is good all the time!
"Life isn't always calm and sweet," according to Pope Francis. Like the disciples of Jesus in today's gospel, there are times we encounter bitter experiences and frightening moments. And the irony is that bitter experiences like fear, pain, anxiety, and uncomfortable experiences strike us when we least expect. Just when we feel that we are at our best of times; we are adequately prepared for something, or have been faithful with everyone, then the calm and sweet condition changes.
After one of the loftiest experiences with Jesus to see Him multiple the five loaves of bread to feed the five thousand, the disciples set off to another place at the orders of Jesus. However, the moments of trouble and confusion start as they see a figure of a person walks on water towards them, while heavy winds start to toss the boat. To allay the fear and panic they were experiencing, Jesus immediately draws closer and speaks to them in a tone of voice they are so familiar with, "Take courage; be not afraid” (v.27).
Jesus' words were meant to bring sound assures to the disciples that He is the Lord and Master. Therefore, they should neither be afraid of Him because He was their friend nor the heavy wind because He would not permit it to hurt them while being under His protection.
Peter's decision to walk on water towards Jesus was rather risky at that moment. He knew he had never tried that before and was not sure how it would end. But he did it because something in him assured him that Jesus would not fail him. And when he began to drown, Jesus reached His hands to save him.
The remarkable thing about these profound experiences of the disciples with Jesus is the truth that the hands of God can reach anyone who calls out to Him. From the bitterness of illness, pain, disappointment, depression, isolation, poverty, hunger, and hopelessness that characterize life or beset people, when we call out to God for help, His outstretched hands will reach to assure us that He is always the Lord and Master.
Prayer blessings: Lord, lead our hearts to you. Keep us to stay afloat in the restful waters of your presence. Amen.