Sunday Meditation: Walking on Water

Last week we heard about the theophany of the Transfiguration.  In today’s Gospel, we encounter another theophany, Jesus manifesting Himself as divine by doing something supernatural, walking on water.

 

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, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

After they got into the boat, the wind died down.

Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying,

"Truly, you are the Son of God."

~Mt 14:22-33

 

I enjoyed Fr. Geoffrey Plant’s exegesis for the Gospel and the first reading.  This is superb.

 

If you have ever had a drowning experience, you may not fully understand the fear.  Drowning is one of my biggest fears.  I remember as a small child in a pool I needed to be pulled out.  I also remember in high school swimming class needed to be helped.  I can totally relate to Peter’s fear when he suddenly goes down.  Let’s meditate on this line. 

Meditation:

“…beginning to sink, he [Peter] cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter."

It doesn’t say where Jesus grab Peter.  We imagine by his hand or arm, but could it not be by Peter’s garment or by his hair?  Or does Jesus dive into the water and like a life guard grabs Peter in a hug?  Doesn’t this also relate to death and being saved by Jesus?  Where does Jesus grab us as we are pulled to salvation?

This reminds me of one of my favorite hymns, “Precious Lord.”