Readings:
1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a
Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14
Romans 9:1-5
Matthew 14:22-33

We encounter two strong individuals in this Sunday’s Scripture readings: the prophet Elijah and Peter, the apostle. Elijah is famous for the fierce courage he displayed in speaking truth to power, especially to King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Just before the incident on the mountain about which we hear this Sunday, Elijah has singlehandedly taken on the false prophets of Israel and defeated them with an awe-inspiring display of power. Because of that, he has been threatened with death by Jezebel and is on the run. Elijah was one courageous, tough fellow. But at this moment, we see him on the run, hunted by the wicked queen. The man of steel has been reduced to a cowering, despondent loner who cries out to God: “Enough, Lord! take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.”

This same blend of courage and fear is present in the Gospel reading. The disciples are caught in a storm on the lake, feeling the frightening force of the waves buffeting their boat. When Peter spies Jesus walking toward them, bestriding the waves, he displays remarkable courage in asking to come to Jesus across the water. Peter’s request may at first sound to us like an impulsive and presumptuous statement, typical of Peter. But, in fact, in the Gospel of Matthew the disciples are entrusted with the messianic powers of Jesus; they share in his authority. So Peter’s request to walk on the water is not completely presumptuous. We hear, however, that he begins to sink when he feels the force of the wind. Neither the mighty prophet Elijah nor Peter, the leader of the Twelve, proves to be a person of unconditional trust in the midst of the storms in their lives. For us, of course, that makes it a lot easier for us to identify with Elijah and Peter.

Jesus says to Peter, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” In the Gospel of Matthew, the disciples are in several places described as people of “little faith.” Their faith is not absent or nonexistent; it is just “little.” Ultimately, they do believe in Jesus and want to follow them, but they are weak and hesitant in their faith. They are prone to fear and anxiety. We see that in today’s Gospel passage, as Peter becomes frightened by the waves and begins to sink into the churning waters.

I strongly suspect that most of us can identify with the “little faith” of Peter and the other disciples. We believe, we proclaim our trust in God. Yet our faith sometimes lacks the depth and courage for which we would hope. Our fears often become obstacles in our relationship with God. At times those fears can even control our reactions and our decisions; they can shape our outlook on life and our relationships. And the more we try to ignore, repress or run away from our fears, the greater is their impact upon us.

There seems to be a lot of fear going around in our country these days. In a particular way, we are bombarded by rhetoric replete with fear of immigrants. Just this past week, the Temporary Protected Status for more than 300,000 Haitians and Syrians living and working in this country was terminated. Overnight, their legal status was nullified and they now risk deportation back to countries where violence is rampant. Many immigrants come seeking opportunity, working hard to support their families and strengthen their communities. Fear can be easily manipulated, and when it is, it can lead to extreme measures against others.

The disciples in the boat are panicked and they cry out in fear. In the midst of that chaos, Jesus speaks. The word of Jesus, the Son of God, is addressed to the disciples in the darkness of the night: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Jesus bears the divine name: “it is I.” This name really means, “I am here to save you.” It is the word of Jesus and the presence of Jesus that bring peace amidst the storm.

Even though Peter’s fears take over and he begins to sink into the waves, he still shows us exactly what is required in the midst of a crisis. He calls out, “Lord, save me!” Here Peter shows us the way. This is exactly what the disciple of little faith, you and I, must do in a time of crisis. We must continue to call out to the Lord in moments of hesitation, doubt or failure. In response, Jesus stretches  out his hand, just as he had stretched out his hand to heal the sick and the possessed. Matthew tells us that Jesus does this “immediately” – without a moment’s hesitation.  In and through this momentous encounter on the lake, the disciples are granted insight into the true identity of Jesus. They cry out, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

It is essential for us to acknowledge our fears: to recognize them, name them, not deny them. We need to invite the Lord to be present to us in the midst of our fears, hesitations and doubts. Our faith becomes deeper and stronger through many small steps of admitting our struggles, our fears and doubts. By recognizing them and bringing them to Jesus honestly in prayer, asking for his grace, the personal impact of our fears is lessened. Our fears may be real and even troubling at times, but they do not have to control our attitudes, decisions and relationships.

So as we pray together at the Eucharist, with Peter we call out, “Lord, save us. Save us from being overwhelmed by the storms in our lives. Save us from the narrow thinking and the isolation that take over when our fears control us. Save us from giving up on our faith, from withdrawing our trust in you.”

May we perceive the hand of Jesus, the Son of God, reaching out to us immediately, assuring us: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Robin Ryan, cp