Word to the Wise
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 - Tuesday in the 18th Week in Ordinary Time
[Num 12:1-13 and Matt 14:22-36 or, in Year A, Matt 15:1-2, 10-14,1032]"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?" 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]
It is easy to focus on the remarkable sign of Jesus walking on wind-tossed water, but the story is not about Jesus, but about Peter and the others in the boat! I have heard it said, "Be careful what you pray for, you may get it!" Belief in ghosts was common in Jesus' day. Peter was at least brave enough to challenge the "ghost." But he got much more than he bargained for. And he was not able to maintain his faith in the storm. Fair weather faith won't be enough to withstand the challenges that life can present to it.
We humans occasionally "dare" God to let us do the extraordinary. But God is not the one who must prove anything. We are the ones who must prove ourselves. In my own experience, I have to ask for the help but I have to believe it will be there, or I will inevitably fail. AMEN
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