After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening, he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.
During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It is a ghost!” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” 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. 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 Peter, and said to him, “You, man of little faith, why did you doubt?”
After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did Jesus homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”
Gospel Trivia:
There is a common theme between this and last Sunday's gospel on the Feeding of the Five Thousand: the disciples are caught in a difficult situation and Jesus asks them to fend for themselves; the disciples doubt, and Jesus comes to the rescue.
The disciples are caught between their fear and their faith.
In this Sunday's gospel, however, Peter is singled out. This is the first time Matthew does this his gospel. He is set as the leader of the disciples, and yet he is not idealized -- he too, doubts.
There is a couple of "gospel trivia" to note in the passage, both of which Matthew uses to reflect divine power or intercession:
- "water" has parallels in the Old Testament: in the creation story ("a mighty wind swept over the waters") as well as in the liberation of the Jews when they crossed the Red Sea. The power over water is a sign of divine presence.
- "It is I," Jesus says. It is the phrase used proper only to divine apparitions; in the Old Testament, it is used only by God.
These two gospel passages -- The Feeding of the Five Thousand and Peter Walking on Water -- reflects a disciple's journey towards discipleship.
The road of discipleship is filled with trials and difficulties, and occasions when our faith are tested. In many of such occasions, we will doubt and will fail. But, do not be afraid, Jesus acknowledges our imperfect faith and will share with us his power.
It is not the disciple using the power of God, but the power of God using the disciple.
Reference:
- Nil Guillemette, SJ, A Kingdom for All (Makati: St. Paul's Publications), pp. 205-207.
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