19th Sunday: "Come"

(Ivan Aivazovsky - 1888

"Jesus walks on water")

Matthew 14: 22-33

The Word: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080920.cfm

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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. God is not always where you would expect to find him. 

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. They were not fishing but rather followed the order of Jesus to get in the boat after the multiplication of the loaves.  He had dismissed the crowd, sent the disciples off in the boat, then went off to pray without them. An unsettling experience no doubt for these men who always felt vulnerable if he was not present. Although they well knew the waters of Galilee it seemed odd that he would not accompany them. 

In the early morning darkness their fears were confirmed as wind and wave began to push back and Jesus comes walking silently and calmly on the turbulent waters at this darkest time of night. They were understandably frightened at the image they saw on the water. It must be a spirit! Once identified, at Peter's request, Jesus calls simply, "Come" on the water.  With all good intention 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.  I think the real miracle here is not so much that Jesus walked on the rolling waves.  We know who he is and what he can do as God by simply willing it.  The real astounding miracle is that Peter did! The ever sincere and impulsive Peter cries out to Jesus, "let me walk like you!" So to test his true faith Jesus invites Peter to join him, yet he knows his inherent weakness.  While the boat may symbolize the Church and the rolling waves society itself, Peter is a sign of all of us.  

Today we may feel the storms are far more sophisticated.  We understand the natural law of in most situations. The powers of nature are not particularly mysterious anymore as scientists can determine what and when many things will happen. But the "why" question is not answered by science.  We can see certain conditions that bring an expected result but why God allows such things may be answered only by faith which gives deeper meaning and purpose to our lives. What does this mean for us? I feel we live now in a culture of fear but we're called to be a people of faith.

So, while it seems that Elijah and the frightened disciples in the boat were helpless victims of natural forces these stories hold a deeper reminder for us. Wind and fire, waves tossing into boats as the fishermen try to bail out the water before they sink 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. That Peter walked on water toward Jesus, even for a short time, shows what faith can produce in us when we trust in the Lord's promise, "come." Can you imagine what the reaction of the disciples would have been if Peter had made it all the way and never sank?

This time of health concerns, protest, violence, and contentious politics leaves us wondering, "how long Lord?" Is God just a ghostly apparition for us or do we truly see and hear him in our lives now? 

In a way, aren’t we glad that Peter did give in to his fears because he certainly can represent humanity in general.  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, a desperately alcoholic husband or wife who simply lives in constant denial while the innocent suffer in the family.

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 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, even now, if we only trust and pray even when we doubt.  “Keep your eyes on me,” Jesus calls. It’s not too much to ask.  “Come” Jesus says – “Follow me.” Not fear but faith.  

Let nothing disturb you.

Let nothing make you afraid.

All things are passing.

God alone never changes.

Patience gains all things.

If you have God you will want for nothing.

God alone suffices.

— St. Teresa, The bookmark of Teresa of Ávila