I have heard people complain, “Where is God? Does God no longer care about us? The situation is already so bad, why doesn’t God intervene and help?” Oh yes, we very well understand the feelings of the disciples in the boat. Jesus had left them alone. He had sent them to cross the lake alone, amidst a storm at that.
When Jesus ascended into heaven, He ceased to intervene in the events in a physical way, but He did not leave the Church.
We also experience stormy crossovers in our own personal life, from childhood to adolescence to adulthood, from selfishness to a sharing attitude, from career hunting to acceptance of God’s plan. All crossings are rather rough. But Jesus is never far away. His apparent absence is His trust in us that we are able to face the danger of life by relying on His word.
The story finds a dramatic climax in Peter’s attempt to cross the waters to reach Jesus. Jesus’ assurance, “It is I. Don’t be afraid!” was not enough for Peter. He wanted a miracle, to be sure! To his surprise, the miracle happened. He was able to walk on the unruly waves— as long as he fixed his eyes on Jesus who must have smiled at Peter’s eagerness. It was only when Peter focused on the waves that he lost sight of Jesus and began to sink. The sight of the roaring waters undermined his trust in Jesus.
Jesus allowed Peter to sink to make him aware of his foolishness to seek a miracle rather than to trust in His word. For me, one of the most touching and consoling passages in the whole Bible is the following scene.
Peter realizes his mistake, cries out to Jesus — and His powerful hand is already there to pull Peter out of the water.
Good news indeed. We may be foolish like Peter and lose our trust in Jesus for a moment. But when we cry out to Him, He is there to save us.
For God does not want the sinner to perish but to repent and be saved.
- Fr. Rudy Horst (Sabbath)
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