Gospel of Matthew, chapter 14:27

Today’s gospel tells us not to be afraid. The Lord is with us always, and we must be ready to find God in unexpected ways. Like the prophet Elijah (1 King 19/9-13) we must be ready to encounter God in the unusual. Elijah did not find God in the “heavy wind” or in the “earthquake” or in the “fire, but in a tiny whispering sound.” God often works in strange ways like this. He can speak to us through the stammering of a child or He can reveal Himself in an unforeseen circumstance of our life. Most people have their own story of how God came to them. For some, it takes an accident to bring them to God. For others, it is something quite simple such as a quiet conversation or a good read. God can reveal Himself to us in a million different ways. No two of us have exactly the same story.

In today’s Gospel (Matthew 14/22-33), St. Peter demonstrated that he was ready to encounter the Lord by venturing out into deep water. Of all the apostles, Peter had always been willing to take risks. He charged into the water, only to find that it was a bit shaky underfoot. Peter’s lack of trust caused him to sink, but his real faith came through when he cried out for help to the Lord.

Our faith demands also that we take risks. We must be prepared to endure aggravating situations and opposition. Often, this means stumbling on our way. Sometimes it even means sinking a tad, but it always means getting our feet wet.

We cannot sail our boat through the sea of life without getting wet. Once we get our feet wet, however, we’re likely to discover that the water is just fine. Sailing our boat through the sea of life doesn’t mean living on the edge; it means living in the middle of life. It means being available to encounter our God who comes to us through His word; right here, right now. Living this way takes faith, and courage for as the Lord says: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Fr. Hugh Duffy