When God Says “Come,” Step Out in Faith
- Fr. James Graham
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Homily for the 9th Sunday after Pentecost
1 Corinthians 3:9-17.................Matthew 14:22-34
We usually read this story of Jesus’ walking on the water as proof of Jesus’ divine power. But what if we try to see these events as the disciples saw them—especially Peter—and then see how the story applies to us?
St Matthew tells us that the disciples have been trying to get across the Sea of Galilee all night, battling the storm and wind and waves, and they can’t reach the shore. No doubt they are tired, and probably scared. And nothing they do seems to accomplish anything to reach their goal of safety and security.
Then they see Jesus walking on the water, coming toward them. Of course, they are terrified, not sure who it is—but hopeful. And Jesus says to them, “Don’t be afraid.”
Always impulsive, Peter challenges Jesus: “Lord, if it really is you, command me to walk to you on the water.”
Jesus simply replies, “Come.”
And Peter walks on the water . . . until he realizes what he’s doing, and feels the wind and the waves slamming against him. Now he’s scared and begins to sink and cries out, “Lord, save me!”
Jesus catches him, saves him, and scolds him: “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
Then everybody says, “Truly You are the Son of God.” But why do they say that? Is it because He rescued Peter or because He empowered Peter to do something that should have been impossible?
We can’t answer that with absolute certainty; the story doesn’t tell us. But the first option is more likely, while the second option is more important.
When we read the story carefully, we see that the central point is that Jesus gave Peter the power, the ability, to do something “impossible.” When Peter—in faith—asks Jesus to show that He is truly Himself, and—in faith—obeys Jesus’ command to “come,” Peter—in faith—becomes able to do what no one can do: walk on water. But when his faith gets weak and he thinks about how he can’t do this, he begins to sink. He has only enough faith after all to call on Jesus to save him.
A lot of times, we are like Peter. Something happens—a powerful liturgy, a deep prayer experience, someone we meet, even a really good sermon—that fires up our faith. We make a new commitment to Christ and swear that we will do whatever He wants. And we begin to walk on water: living a truly Christian life—free, loving, brave—helping the poor, loving our enemies, becoming humble, not quarrelling, asking forgiveness for our sins.
But then we notice the strong wind and the high waves—the pressures of work and family and society—the sarcasm and ridicule, the criticism, the negativity, the pessimism—and we get scared. What if I really can’t live a holy and righteous life? What if God isn’t really there to help me? What if I’m fooling myself? What will people say if I fail? What if I’m not smart enough or strong enough or good enough?
That’s when we start sinking—when we begin to lose faith.
This is as true of groups, such as families, parishes, cities, countries, as it is of individuals. So each one of us, and our parish all together, must focus on Jesus Christ, who says, “Take courage. I’m here. Don’t be afraid.” We must build our faith by prayer and study. We must encourage one another. We must use our gifts. We must love one another. We must persevere and keep going when times are tough.
Even if we are tired and discouraged and it seems like our boat will not reach the safety and security of the shore, we have to believe that the Lord is with us, and we have to get our and walk on the water—in faith—to Him. He will not let us sink, because He is our loving and good God, and we give thanks and praise and glory to the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
