In the Gospel, we heard that the disciples were being tossed in their boat by a strong wind. They were probably asleep, resting while Jesus was praying up on the mountain. They got scared when the waves were getting stronger. We too face unique storms in our lives. At times, they can even be stronger than storms, more like a hurricane or tsunami. But, just as the disciples were tossed by the strong waves, Jesus walked towards them to assure them that everything would be just fine. We need to also trust that God will walk towards us and calm the storms, hurricanes or tsunamis of our lives in order to experience the authentic peace that we all long for. When one is beset with a strong storm – whether it is marital problems, financial constraints, health issues, relational concerns, etc. – the immediate reaction might be fear and hopelessness like what the disciples demonstrated in the Gospel today. But, let us not forget that we have a God whom we can call out to, a God who is willing to walk towards us and invite us not to fear the storms of our lives because He has power over them. And like Peter, whom Jesus invited to brave the storms and walk towards him, we are invited to do the same, to conquer our fear and not to permit the storms of our lives to control us because just like Peter, if our fear controls us more than our faith, we will find ourselves slowly sinking.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a renowned theologian, gave the following as an interpretation of Peter's response: "Peter had to leave the ship and risk his life on the sea in order to learn both his own weakness and the almighty power of his Lord. If Peter had not taken the risk, he would never have learned the meaning of faith. The road to faith passes through
obedience to the call of Jesus. Unless a definite step is demanded, the call vanishes into thin air. If people imagine that they can follow Jesus without taking this step, they are deluding themselves like fanatics." Bonhoeffer also gave this theological paradox in response to this situation: "Faith is only real where there is obedience, never without it, and faith only becomes faith in the act of obedience."
Do you think Jesus is the kind of person you, parents, would have liked your children to hang out with? He was always pushing the limit, taking risks. As parents, one wants to keep the children safe, but sometimes we have to let them, and us as well, step out into the storm tossed sea and fall back on our faith to make it through. Remember that time when your son or daughter had to leave home for the first time to go to college? There was that sense of anxiety or fear of the unknown, but we know that it is important to let them go/to take that risk so that they can realize their full potentials and dreams. Jesus asks us to take risks in many different ways. It can be in talking or listening to someone. Another way could be to support a mission or ministry with our time, talent or finances. Whatever gifts God has given you can be used when you step out in faith and try. If we don't try, we won't ever know how far God can take us. So, if you think you hear a voice asking you to take a chance and reach out in an area you're not sure of, it could be Jesus asking you to take a leap of faith and grow. He's not only there when we are at peace, but also when He is asking us to step out of the boat into the tossed sea. Is Jesus calling you to walk on water? It's ok — reach out and see how far He can take you. – Fr. Cary