Do Not Be Afraid

For what would you walk on water? Set your sights on even if it seems impossible? Choose to do even if you might fail? A relationship, dream, service, justice? In today’s gospel we read about Jesus’ disciples on the Sea of Galilee in a storm-battered boat, Jesus walking on the water toward them, and Peter making his way on the water toward Jesus.* What spiritual wisdom might we glean from this story to grow our faith and courage?

 

Life is good for sure, but also hard, uncertain, and unpredictable. Storms beset our lives – personal struggles, societal turmoil, existential threat. The stress and fear we feel can be debilitating. In my own boat tossed on the sea of life, I am comforted by others who are with me as we face into the storms together.

 

Before Jesus sets out on the sea, he had just fed thousands. He tells his disciples to go ahead to the other side while he dismisses the crowd and goes up the mountain by himself to pray. He exemplifies so well here the inward-outward connection in the spiritual life: community and solitude, service and prayer. In his walk, he is steady in body, mind, and spirit. His heart is focused on his disciples and God’s love for them.

 

On the water, Peter and the disciples think they are seeing a ghost move toward them. But they hear, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Awestruck, Peter says to Jesus, “Lord if it is you, command me to come to you on the water,” to which Jesus says, “Come.” Peter’s faith and determination take him as far as his limits and he inevitably begins to sink. What he does in the moment is worth noting: he cries out, “Lord, save me!” And Jesus is immediately there.

 

May we always have the blessing of companions on the way to the other side, have our hearts fixed on God, and be encouraged by God’s abiding love and presence.