Sunday Readings: 1 Kings 19.9, 11-13; Romans 9.1-5; Matthew 14.22-33
Early in the morning Jesus came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It is a ghost!” They cried out in fear. Immediately Jesus spoke to them. “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” Jesus said.
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. Beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
The disciples are at sea in a boat. The boat which holds them symbolizes the Church. Strong head winds toss the boat on dangerous waves. This is Matthew’s image of strongly opposing views upsetting and threatening the community in the A.D. 80s.
Matthew pictures Peter in a community struggling between the experience of having Jesus among them in the flesh and the promise of his risen presence. How does Jesus continue with this community? Is he a ghost, a memory, a real presence? Peter puts Jesus to a test. “If this is really you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus immediately says, “Come.”
By the time Matthew writes, Peter’s step forth into the water and the future is a step many have made into baptism and faith in Jesus’ risen presence. Faith in Jesus brings conflict. Not every family member believes. Should Gentile believers keep Jewish laws? Differences cause the first Church Council.
As the Church today looks toward the October Synod in Rome, headwinds and cross currents toss us about as we seek our way together through new questions.
What are your hopes for the Synod? In what do you sense the Spirit moving? What do you cry out to Jesus about?
