Walking on Water
1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a, Psalm 85, Matthew 14:22-33
This week’s Gospel and readings provide many connections between God/Jesus calming the elements of nature and our personal faith journey:
- “Jesus made his disciples get into a boat and before long it was being tossed around by the wind and the waves. In the midst of their terror Jesus calmly said Don’t worry! I am Jesus. Don’t be afraid”.
→ Jesus often taught about faith, and the amazing things that can happen if our faith is strong.
→ Dangerous storms could blow up very rapidly and with ferocity, this is also true of our own lives.
- “Jesus had retreated to a quiet place to be alone with God while his disciples were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee, crossing from the Jewish side into gentile territory just as he had instructed them”.
→ The Hebrew people recognised in the waters of the sea a symbol of the chaos of the times – Jesus’ teaching was being delivered in often turbulent circumstances.
- “The Lord told Elijah to go out and stand on the mountain. At once there was a strong and mighty wind, then a massive earthquake, then a fire. But the Lord was not in the wind or the earthquake or the fire. Afterwards, hardly a sound was heard”.
→ God visits us, not in the power of the elements, but in the still, small voice of a gentle breeze.
Peter’s and Elijah’s experiences echo for us situations when we have been caught in storms of fear and confusion. We can feel like we’re going under. How reassuring it is to know that we can call on God, reach out our hand to Jesus, hold fast to our faith, and ride the storm.
PSALM 85:
I will listen to you, Lord God, because you promise peace to those who are faithful.
You are ready to rescue everyone who worships you, so that you will live with us in all of your glory.
Love and loyalty will come together; goodness and peace will unite.
Loyalty will sprout from the ground; justice will look down from the sky above.
Our Lord, you will bless us; our land will produce wonderful crops.
Justice will march in front, making a path for you to follow.
Markelle Ward
Director of Religious Studies (DRS)