VIII.
This week we’ve taken time to read and reread this passage several times. I trust we have not just “read over” it because it is familiar, or “read through” it since we already know what “happens” but have “read into” the account. And more to the point, read ourselves into the account so we become a participant.

Let’s take a few minutes to slow our busy minds, pause for a moment and with an open spirit and open eyes to enter the passage once more.

Matthew 14:22-33

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.”

IX.
What are you noticing?

Anything new? Anything clearer? Does anything call you to spend more time with these folk?

This is where I would like to hear from you. We need to have a conversation to share with one another what happens for us as we spend time here.

To start the conversation (and not to end it), may I share something I notice?

Peter draws my attention this week.

I usually see Peter as the first to speak, and it often seems he speaks before he thinks or even hears from others.
And, granted, he speaks up here but before he speaks what is going on for him? I read that the disciples are afraid. I count Peter as one who is afraid. I count Peter as one who is not sure it is Jesus coming to them. Another reason to be at least worried if not fully afraid.

Then when I do hear Peter, he is asking the one coming toward him, who he is and asking for permission to act. Not the way I most envision Peter.

Then as he does act and steps out, he is so distracted by the circumstances he loses his way, and his confidence/trust/faith that he falters, begins sinking. And calls out for help.

Again, not the way I think of Peter most often.

X.
I need to spend more time with Peter. I want to ask him what this was like for him. I want to ask him what he took away from this boat ride in the storm. I want to ask him how he saw the world and even Jesus differently after this. And I want to ask him what I might learn from him.

Oh, one more thing – the next time a storm arose for him, what was it like?

charles
{ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est}