19th Week in Ordinary Time : Sunday 13th August 2023

What were Peter’s memories of this scene on the lake? He certainly had the experience of walking on water as if it were dry land. It was by an act of reckless enthusiasm that he wanted to do what the Master was doing.

On the other hand, he had shouted to the Master that we wanted to join Him, not merely enjoy the thrill of remaining upright on the Sea of Galilee. The others must have jeered at him as he came dripping into the boat after losing courage. The lesson he had learnt the hard way about his lack of trust in the Master must have come to his mind many times in days of stress and danger.

On reflection, Peter must have wondered why the Master had sent them forth on the lake as a storm was about to spring up. He had gone to pray as His apostles went into danger, but it must have reassured Peter in later years to know that the Master was never far away from them. Storms would often harass the Church, but Christ would guide it safely to port.

Lord, we sometimes think we cannot survive on the sea of life. The waves, lashed by strong winds, threaten to overwhelm us. Help us to trust You in moments of danger when all seems lost.

O Holy Spirit, You are never far away from us. Amen.