Courage and Persistence

Daily Gospel reflection for Matthew 14:22-36

Peter on the Sea. Painting by Philipp Otto Runge via Wikimedia Commons.

You can find today’s reading on the USCCB Daily Readings.

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Jesus spoke to them, "Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid." Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." [Jesus] said, "Come." Matthew 14:27-29

Though not explicitly stated, Peter’s trust in Jesus is the only reason he embarks toward him on the water. Jesus sees Peter’s sincere desire to be with him and invites Peter to be with him in the chaos of the storm. Was Peter overcome with fear on the journey to Jesus? Yes. Before his foot even made contact with the water that fear was present, but he still chose persistence and got out of the boat, seeking Jesus.

When Peter realised that his fear was overcoming him, sinking him into the water, he did not resign himself to death. He recognised his limited ability and cried for help. The Good Shepherd responded. Yes, Peter is chided for his lack of faith, but it is the fond remark of a Shepherd to his beloved sheep. I almost hear Jesus say it with a little chuckle as he pulls up Peter from the water.

Image by John Towner via Unsplash.

My own anxiety can get the best of me at times. Earlier this year while trying to figure out details of my grad studies, I was overwhelmed at the obstacles before me. It caused me to nearly give up hope that these studies could be accomplished; I wrote up a letter to withdraw from my program. But in my cry out to God, I felt my hand stayed from hitting send.

The answers did not come right away, but I felt assured that Christ was with me, inviting me to be present with him in the chaos. With my anxiety, it was a terrifying place to be. But at my cry out to him, his hand reached out immediately, as he did to Peter, to steady me in the storm. I was assured as I waited uncomfortably for the storm to pass.

As things are slowly find their resolution, I hear Jesus lovingly chiding me, too, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

All that I can say is that doubt is the easy response; often automatic. It takes courage and persistence to choose trust as Peter; none of the other disciples responded to Jesus in this way. May we all continue to grow in this courage knowing that when doubt overshadows it, God can calm the storms inside of us, too.