Word to the Wise
Monday, August 4, 2014 - Monday in the 18th Week in Ordinary Time
[Jer 28:1-17 and Matt 14:13-21 or, in Year A, Matt 14:22-36,479]"Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come." Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened and beginning to sink 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?"
AUGUST 4, ST. JOHN VIANNEY, priest
Peter learned the truth of the expression, "Be careful what you pray for. You may get it!" The story of Jesus walking on water follows the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. These are both stories of Jesus' power over nature. He gives bread to the multitudes [as was done to the Israelites in the desert] and he walks on top of the chaos of the stormy sea! In the midst of this, the evangelist adds an almost comic element: Peter's behavior! Peter has the nerve to challenge Jesus! It must have been an incredible scene - a rocking boat, water everywhere, frightened passengers and Peter trying to get out of the boat to walk in the midst of wind and water! Of course it was no comic matter to the participants!
Peter, in many ways, represents us all! We have to learn the hard way sometimes that we truly can do what the Lord does only if we trust that the Lord will accomplish it through us. However, we may have to endure storms and high waves. The old advice, "Don't look down!" seems good here. In the midst of our efforts, we may have to admit that we're in trouble and cry out, "Lord, save me!" Yes, we can do what the Lord does. No, we can't do it by ourselves. Yes, it is truly the Son of God who gives the bread and calms the storm and saves us from our own folly. But we have to keep Jesus' own words in mind: "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid!" AMEN