Peter said to him in reply,
"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.
Before we remember Peter's hesitatant confidence in the Lord and himself, let's remember that he did walk on water, to his own amazement and that of his companions. That's no mean feat by any estimate.
That brief adventure proves that anyone who believes in the Lord and keeps their eyes on him can do as Jesus did.
No doubt there are skeptics who say this story is allegorical; that it's intended to inspire our confidence in Jesus. That's fine; I can't argue the point since there were no camera crews to record the incident. But it overlooks the deeper truth, "With God all things are possible."
Fear, cowardice, faintheartedness, gutlessness, pusillanimity, cold feet, mousiness, cravenness: our language is full of words to describe our cringing before threats and challenges. Whatever its name, it saps one's self-respect. Seeing it in others, we lose respect for them.
Fear is the foundation of that conformity which leads so many people into irresponsible, stupid, and obscene behaviors. Can anything else explain the herd mentality that compels men to build walls, stockpile weapons, or send millions of defenseless persons into trench warfare and death camps?
Fear is the foundation of anger, violence, and hatred. Scratch the surface of any abusive thought, word, or deed and you'll find a frightened child -- often in the appearance of a threatening man or a screaming woman.
Buy history records innumerable incidents of people and nations rising to deal with an overwhelming crisis, and succeeding.
Serving in parishes, retreat houses, and hospitals, I have often met people who suffer continual pain. It may be chronic back pain, neuropathy, or shortness of breath. They live because they have learned not to fear the pain. It's there; it's real; it's okay. They make whatever accommodations might ease the worst pain but they neither expect nor ask that it should all disappear. Many offer their suffering with the Lord, and through the Lord for others. More often than not they are blessed with a sense of humor about themselves and their life.
The Lord continually says to us, "Do not be afraid." And, like Peter, we set aside our fears and walk on water.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.