"Lord . . . command me to come to you. He said, "Come"
1 Kgs 19: , 11-13a
Rm 9: 1-5
Mt 14: 22-33
Today’s readings seem to be a combination of both turmoil and peace. On the one hand, we see the prophet Elijah standing on the mountain listening for God in the midst of violent natural forces: strong and heavy rock crushing wind, an earthquake, a roaring fire – but God is not in any of those. He whispers in Elijah’s ear a soft sound and the prophet covers his face in respect.
Peter and the disciples are caught in a fishing boat, a familiar place for them, in the midst of a strong and driving wind frightened for their lives with no protection – and Jesus comes walking silently and calmly on the turbulent waters in the darkest time of night, then invites Peter to simply “come” to him on the water. Despite Peter’s failed attempt, Jesus gets in the boat and the wind dies down. “It is I, do not be afraid.”
It strikes me these are powerful images which test both our faith and our preconceptions of God. They can also be reminders to have confidence in the midst of turbulent times in which we recognize our fears and insecurities. For Matthew, the boat is symbolic of the Church. To know what the early Christian communities of the first century endured, and how those committed early believers found their faith tested, it’s not surprising this storm on the sea is used to symbolize the fears of the Christian’s in the first century. Threatened by the pagan powers of Rome and the inclusion of Gentile diversity, along with the martyrdom of both the Apostles and many early believers themselves, it is no wonder they cried out for assurance and found their faith in God tested as to who Jesus really is.
Today we may feel the storms are far more sophisticated. We understand the laws of nature; summer storms which leave significant destruction are not unfamiliar. The powers of nature are not particularly mysterious anymore as scientists can determine so much about what nature will do and when it will happen. Next week we are told a total eclipse of the sun will take place right over this country and they have it down to date, time, place, and duration. Imagine for a moment what sort of calculation needs to be done to determine all of that. And the point is, they are right.
We are warned ahead of time to prepare and take cover when a storm is approaching, to move to higher ground, to plan ahead should that day come. Rescue efforts come in to play rather quickly and relief is brought to ease the suffering and rebuild lives.
So, while it seems that Elijah and the frightened disciples in the boat were helpless victims of natural forces, still these stories hold a deeper reminder for us. Essentially, these are not extreme weather reports but rather stories of faith. Wind and fire, waves tossing into boats as the fishermen try to bail out the water before they sink and is not really the point of the story. The tiny whispering sound in Elijah’s ear and Jesus’ own calm and silent unexpected display of divine power over his own creation is the key to recognize our own lack of faith.
Jesus calls out to his panicked group: “Get hold of yourselves. It is I; do not be afraid.” We often cry out to God in times of desperation. When all else fails, we turn to the Lord for a solution. If not that, at least the strength to get through whatever is causing us to be concerned. That’s a good thing.
But, was it too much for Jesus to simply say to Peter – “Come” – as Peter really said to Jesus, “I want to be like you!” “I want to walk on the water as well.” “If you can do it, so will I.” Pretty bold of Peter when you think of it. Considering the darkness of the 3 am hour, the violent wind and the rolling waves, it’s no wonder the disciples thought this vision of a man walking on the water towards them was indeed some ghostly apparition. If the storm wasn’t bad enough, here comes some fearful spirit to really do us in!
But aren’t we glad that Peter did give in to his fears in a way because he certainly can represent humanity in general. The call to faith is a call to trust. Yet, is it too much to ask that we really let go and lay all things before God? Is it too much to expect that our Lord really is with us in moments that we may find especially trying: the sudden loss of a loved one; the separation of divorce, bad news from the doctor, the loss of a job for no clear reason, a son or daughter who decides to leave the Church all together and marry in a ski lodge or a park, a desperately alcoholic husband or wife who simply lives in constant denial while the innocent suffer in the family.
While these may be somewhat extreme they are not at all rare. Where is my faith? Am I just a fair weather Christian or can I also hear Jesus saying to me – “Come.” It might have been easy for Elijah to give up and say: “Wind? Fire? Earthquake and no God?” Time to leave this mountain.” Or maybe for Jesus to have ignored Peter’s irrational request and simply enter the boat by himself. Peter, you can’t walk on a lake!
But, we see in both examples a reminder that while God never abandons us, we must also be searching for him. Peter’s desire to do what Jesus was doing is really the very desire we must have ourselves.
While none of us would insanely jump off a cliff or step out of a boat in the middle of the Ocean, (God can’t fix stupid!) what Peter desired was to be more like Christ. To grow in his likeness; to have hope the words of Jesus are indeed life changing. To learn from his example and turn my life in a new direction to embrace the good news Jesus spoke of and to live by trust and the conviction of my faith. So maybe what we consider to be just too much to ask is really where we need to go.
To those who desperately cried out to our Lord to defy the laws of nature and instantly be healed or to heal another, because of their faith, Jesus did so out of love and compassion. He stood by them in the midst of their desperation and responded to their trust of him.
So, let’s walk on water – it’s not too much to expect. Hold on to that hope that the Lord stands by us in the midst of the toughest times. Jesus hoped Peter would indeed walk towards him with all confidence. To walk towards the Lord as he walks towards us. I find that both beautiful and a reminder to me that I am weak. “Peter, keep walking – keep looking at me. Don’t look away!”
We can be bold in our faith and have the courage of our convictions when others may feel we are simply uninformed or “old school” or “out of touch.” We can lay before the Lord our fears and pray with confidence even when we doubt. We don’t ever have to apologize for being Catholic and for following the teachings of our faith no matter how unpopular they may be. We can attend Mass each weekend despite even our neighbors or family who may consider us excessively religious. We can see not just the sins of the Church but the heroic virtues and good works done in the name of the Gospel.
We can walk on all kinds of water if we only trust and pray even when we doubt. “Keep your eyes on me.” It’s not too much to ask. “Come” Jesus says – “Follow me.”
Almighty ever-living God,
whom, taught by the Holy Spirit,
we dare to call our Father,
bring, we pray, to perfection in our hearts
the spirit of adoption as your sons and daughters,
that we may merit to enter into the inheritance
which you have promised.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever.
(Collect of Sunday)