Word to the Wise
Tuesday, August 7, 2018 - Monday in the 19th Week in Ordinary Time
[Ezek 1:2-5, 24-28c and Matt 17:22-27,485]TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 2018. TUESDAY IN THE NINETEENTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME [Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22 and Matthew 14:22-36 or 15:1-2, 10-14. The alternate gospel occurs when due to the liturgical calendar to avoid a repetition two days in a row.] “Lord, if it is really you, command me to come to you on the water.” [Jesus] said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the after toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sin, 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?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” [Matthew] The incident of Jesus walking on water has become a kind of “signature” of divinity in the popular mind at times. There were many other manifestations, but this one seems to hold attention. Forgotten is Peter’s effort. Yes, he walked on water as well, provided he kept faith with Jesus and was not distracted by the winds howling around him. And there’s the rub, so to speak. One is left to imagine the rescue. Does Jesus get him to stand up on the water before getting back into the boat? Or does Jesus grab Peter by the back of his garment and haul him in like a big fish? I think both images could apply to us. How many times have we “dared” God? There’s an old saying, “Be careful what you pray for. You may get it.” In an age that had a lively belief in ghosts (of course we don’t, do we?) Peter questions what might be a ghost! That “ghost” dares him right back. It’s when Peter realizes that he CAN walk on water with Jesus’ help that he begins to see the enormity of his request. Those winds and waves are pounding! Yes, the miracles are meant to focus our attention on Jesus, but they also direct our attention to the faith of the beneficiaries. The others in the boat do homage to Jesus and call him the Son of God, but one wonders what they then said to Peter? Our fears are those howling winds and pounding waves that can, as it were, drown out the voice that summons us to faith. Keeping our attention focused on the one who enables us to get out of the boat and walk on water is hard. But the results can be spectacular! AMEN
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