Above: Stained glass depicting Jesus walking on the sea, in St Giles' Cathedral, Edinburgh, Scotland. Photo by Father Lawrence Lew, O.P.
Today’s gospel (Matthew 14:22–36) begins with Jesus sending the disciples away in a boat so that he could go and pray by himself. It’s night. The disciples are in a boat on the sea. The boat is being tossed about because of the strong winds and what happens but Jesus comes walking on the water towards them. The gospel passage tells us, “When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. ‘It is a ghost,’ they said, and they cried out in fear. 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 is a fisherman. He knows and has some understanding of the sea because of his profession and yet look at the sign for which he asks! Really, Peter?
At Jesus’ prompting, “Come,” Peter does indeed walk on the stormy sea. When Peter realizes what is happening, he becomes frightened, begins to sink and cries out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus stretches out his hand and saves Peter. This leads to the proclamation, “Truly you are the Son of God.” We hear those very same words again from the centurion at the foot of the cross after Jesus has died.
We need to hear those words of Jesus throughout our day, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Those words change things because we are not alone, but can we recognize the Son of God working in our lives?
St. Dominic was criticized because he sent his new Brothers out to preach before they had received the “proper” formation. The result was the success of the mission. How will today be different if I trust in God and recognize Him present with me?
Pray for us, O holy father, Saint Dominic, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
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