During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid." "Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water." "Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?" (Matthew 14:25-31)

Greetings Everyone and peace be with you.

I find these scripture verses so amazing. On one hand, they recount the scene of Jesus walking on the water which is probably one of the most iconic depictions and well known stories about Jesus. I would venture a guess that this image would rank in Jesus' "top 5" if you asked the public what do you think of when you think of Jesus? But then, as with all of the seemingly simple verses in the Bible, this event has so many layers. And the most mind boggling one to me is that Peter, a human like me and you, walks on the water too! I find that so incredible; it's hard for me to comprehend. However, I find the duality of having faith/not having faith, flip-flopping back and forth in the matter of seconds so relatable and familiar.

So the disciples see a miracle (Jesus on the water), and are terrified... understandable. And of course Jesus tries to calm them (us) as always. But then Peter needs more proof (been there) and wants to make sure it's Jesus. And when commanded by Jesus to get out of the boat, Peter has profound faith and follows directions and gets out of the boat, and walks on the water! But then he can't even believe his own faith and the possibilities when he (we) truly stays focused on Jesus. Peter moves his focus to the wind; away from Jesus and he sinks. It's so hard because we have "wind" and "waves" all around us in our worldly lives, but oh what the potential could be if we truly stayed focus on Jesus. As with Peter, it is so hard to do. And then of course, when we get into trouble what do we do... cry out to God to help us. And of course our loving, all gracious God reaches out his hand and saves us. Mind you, maybe not always in the manner we would like, but the manner that best helps us to refocus on Jesus. Oh the potential of what we mere humans might be able to do if we keep our focus on Jesus!

Dear God, for the sake of your resurrected Son, please help us to keep steadfast faith and our eyes on you so that we may be "able to walk on water." In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Contributed by Laurie
Monday April 04, 2016
Liturgical Year C: Week 19
Liturgical Color: white
Sunday Gospel reading: cEaster2
Second Sunday of Easter Sunday