This week’s gospel reading continues last week’s story where heard that (after hearing of John’s execution) Jesus tried to go off by himself by boat, only to be sought out by the crowds who met him when he came to shore. Jesus had compassion for the crowds, cured their illnesses, and in a famous miracle of abundance, Jesus fed them. This week we read that, still working to find time away, Jesus sends the disciples across the lake in the boat and disperses the crowds himself. At last, he makes his way up the mountain to reflect and pray on his own.
I imagine that the demands of his work weighed on Jesus: the constant presence of the crowds, the needs of all who are ill, the questions on the disciples, the conflict with the religious leaders. Jesus must have relished that time alone. He found quiet and time to think. A real chance to pray and listen to God.
Out in the boat, however, the disciples can’t get back to shore. The wind has risen and the waves are battering the boat and keeping them at sea. The wind and waves go on through the night. At first light, Jesus walks out across the water to the disciples on the boat. Quite reasonably, they were terrified. Jesus immediately reassures them and offers encouragement: “Take heart, it is I. Do not be afraid.” Peter, with characteristic abandon says, “If it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus says, “Come.” Peter’s first steps on the water are fine, but then he notices the strong winds and in his fear, begins to sink. Peter cries out and immediately, Jesus reaches out and catches him. Once they get into the boat, the winds stop.
I love the details in this story. They offer a rich picture of Jesus and his ministry. When Jesus receives alarming and troubling news, he tries to go away by himself. Somehow, the crowds find out where he has gone and are there even before he is. Rather than reacting with anger or avoidance, Jesus is filled with compassion and cures their illnesses, and even feeds them. Then, Jesus sends the disciples out in a boat and gets the crowds to leave. At last, he has some time to reflect and to pray on his own. But it doesn’t last – he goes to the disciples on the sea where they are in peril and afraid.
Even in the midst of his own struggle, possible fear, and overwhelming demands, Jesus is committed, faithful, and loving to the people and his disciples. Like the disciples, we find ourselves buffeted and battered by the winds and waves of life and its demands. There are struggles with family, difficulties in work, physical or medical challenges, conflict within our relationships, uncertainty with ourselves, concern for issues in the world around us. There are lots of times we can’t seem to get to shore. Somehow, miraculously, Jesus is there with us. Jesus catches us as we fear and sink. Jesus calms the storm. There may be a long night of fear and struggle, but morning comes.
Stories in the gospel and our own experiences remind us that God does not leave us stranded or adrift. God comes close in scripture, in prayer, in the presence of people who love us, in the actions of people who offer help, and in God’s own presence. This well-known miracle story is about much more than walking on water. This and every other story about Jesus is about the overwhelming compassion Jesus has for us and all the world. This story is about God coming to help. God with us. Here and now. And always.
Peace,
weekly prayer | Jesus prays alone and walks on water to the disciples in Matthew 14