The Gospel story of Jesus walking on the water encourages us not to be afraid to place all our faith and trust in the Lord. Peter and the disciples got into the boat to cross to the other side of the lake. They had been making their way through many towns and villages listening attentively as Jesus proclaimed the Good News of the Kingdom of God. Large crowds gathered around everywhere he went as people from every town and village were seeking to be with Jesus. He had just performed the miracle of feeding the five thousand. It is now late in the evening and after a long day healing the sick and feeding the multitude Jesus instructs the disciples to get into the boat and go to the far side of the lake while he sends the crowds away.
Peter and the other disciples set out to seek the refuge of the other side of the lake, however some way into the journey, well into the night, the boat battles a heavy head-wind and choppy waters. Though experienced fishermen the disciples must have been concerned at going astray on the rough and choppy waters. Then suddenly they see Jesus walking towards them on the lake. However they could not believe that it was Jesus, thinking it was a ghost. Jesus assures them “Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid! But even Peter the closest disciple of the Lord doubted his presence “if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water”. Peter gets out of the boat to walk towards Jesus but is overcome by a heavy gust of wind and left in a state of panic as he begins to sink. He calls out in desperation ‘Lord! Save me!’. Jesus immediately puts out his hand and holds Peter, asking him “‘why did you doubt?”.
The Gospel can encourage us in our own faith journey. The walk of faith is not always easy and sometimes we can doubt and find it hard to believe. But we learn from the Gospel that even those closest to Jesus doubted. There are many struggles, storms, and trials in life and it is not easy to face them on our own but trusting in Jesus and asking for his guidance and support to help us makes it easier. He is present in the midst of all the tribulations. Even when the going is rough he restores calm in our lives and gives us peace when we place our faith and trust in him.
