Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Get out of the boat!
At first glance at today’s Gospel, it might seem that Peter failed miserably. Instead of keeping his focus on Christ he noticed the strong wind and became frightened and began to sink. However, Peter did what no other disciple there did. He got out of the boat. Let us take comfort today in the example of Peter. Though he was not successful at walking on water, he tried what no one else would do. So too is it with us in our faith life. It is not about success but about having the courage to walk towards Jesus when things seem overwhelming.
What keeps me from staying focused on Jesus when I try something new or encounter something that makes me anxious? What is keeping me from saying the words of Peter, “Lord save me!” when I am overwhelmed and need help?
—Br. Pat Douglas, SJ, is the Provincial Assistant for Vocations for the Midwest Province and lives at the Creighton Prep Jesuit community in Omaha, Nebraska.
Lord, help me to live this day, quietly, easily. To lean upon thy great strength, trustfully, restfully. To wait for the unfolding of thy will, patiently, serenely. To meet others, peacefully, joyously. To face tomorrow, confidently, courageously.
—St. Francis of Assisi
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Ignatian spirituality reminds us that God pursues us in the routines of our home and work life, and in the hopes and fears of life's challenges. The founder of the Jesuits, Saint Ignatius of Loyola, created the Spiritual Exercises to deepen our relationship with Christ and to move our contemplation into service. May this prayer site anchor your day and strengthen your resolve to remember what truly matters.
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