Jesus, after teaching and healing goes off by himself. As Matthew tells it, he goes up the mountain for some alone time, to reflect and pray. Meanwhile, the disciples have gone out in the boat. When, as luck would have it, a storm comes up. A big storm apparently, a terrifying storm. Jesus returns from his time away and goes out to meet the boat. Walking on water, this is something we have yet to see Jesus do.  

And Peter, so overwhelmed by the sight, wants, for whatever reason, to join him. 

The disciples are quite worried about the intensity of the weather and the sturdiness of the boat. Is this a test? Of their faith? Of their boating ability?

This story of Jesus on the roiling sea is found in all the synoptic gospels, in various ways. In this telling, Peter sets out to meet Jesus on the water and then, as if on cue, Peter loses his nerve. Realizing what he is really doing and remembers while some people can float, they rarely walk on the water! 

When we feel unsure, unsafe out of control, do we look out into the blustery mess and see Christ? Can we hear Jesus saying, ‘take heart, it is I.’ In the midst of trials, troubles, the storms of life, Is what we see God? 

Can it be? Or is it a trick, an illusion, a mirage.

I guess there is always the possibility that what we see is not what we think we see and Peter wants to believe in the possibility but then water-walking in the midst of pretty good storm was more difficult than he thought, than he hoped for. 

Maybe Peter was foolish, unreasoned, illogical, eager to please, a show off. Yet, Jesus was still there! Without apparent regard for the why behind Peter’s action. 

There is some comfort in that for me. I’m frequently foolish, often illogical, generally trying to please someone. And Jesus reaches out a hand to save. No matter my reasons for acting or the lack thereof.

There really is no moral to this story, no strong ringing endorsement of Peter’s action. Except, maybe this … Jesus is there in the storm, somewhere and the showing up of the Divine is not based on the faith of the crew or the soundness of their decision making. So beloved, for those of us who wonder, who doubt, who can act impulsively …

take heart, it is I …

Thanks be to God!

+Rev. Alison