You of Little Faith

Gospel Reflection for August 2, 2022

Photo by Jean-Pierre Brungs on Unsplash

Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once 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.” He said, “Come.” But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed. (Matthew 14:22-36)

In today’s Gospel, we hear about the unexpected appearance of a watchful Jesus, the fear of undertaking a seemingly impossible calling, the merciful help given to doubters, and the healing of faith.  

We are first shown that, although Jesus was not physically with the disciples on the boat, he was watching over his flock and came to them as their boat was tossed by waves. His unexpected appearance caused fear and doubt at what was being seen. Many times in our lives, when we are being tossed about by life’s waves, Jesus appears in an unexpected form. Although it can be quite obvious that we are experiencing the direct influence of God, we are so shocked that we are reduced to fearful doubt. The presence of something so powerful in our lives, directly acting to benefit us specifically, is a fear-inducing idea. We most frequently have a distant relationship with God through prayer. We know He is there, and we see Him all around us, but rarely do we encounter Him directly and overtly. When we do, there is a sense of awe and fear that an all-powerful God would be paying direct attention to us and our seemingly insignificant needs. The fear and doubt of the disciples is quite understandable. 

When Peter asks for proof that it is Jesus, not by demanding a show of God’s power but by requesting a personal task that Peter himself must undertake, Jesus asks him to do what is seemingly impossible: walk on water. Peter is willing to do this, but his human nature knows only earthly environments and possibilities, and so he becomes frightened when the strong wind works against him. He momentarily forgets, as we all do in moments of distress, that God is ruler of the earth and higher than nature, and that he does not need to fear the wind or water or earthly ‘impossibilities.’ Peter rightly calls out for Jesus to save him, and Jesus mercifully does just that. Jesus asks Peter why he was doubtful, simultaneously pointing out that it was due to lack of faith. Yet Peter’s doubt is not held against him, as he is saved by asking for God’s help. 

Directly following this event is the landing at Gennesaret. Jesus is known here, and a multitude of people come out to see him. As if to show us the opposite of Peter’s doubt, we are told that the people in this land are faithful enough to know that they need only touch Jesus’s tassel in order to be healed. They do not doubt this but instead take it as a matter of faith that it is possible to be healed in this way. These people are not in immediate danger as Peter was, so we can see how faith may be easier in this instance than it was while attempting to walk on water. However, the two stories being related one after the other suggests to us that we must have the same unquestioning faith whether we are in non-threatening surroundings or in peril. In both situations, faith in God should be the same, whether we need healing or saving. 

God is ever watchful, keeping His attention on you, whether you need help in with daily ‘unimportant’ tasks or serious situations. He will come to you no matter where you are, sometimes in direct and shocking ways. No matter the circumstance, our faith must be without doubt, for God can do all things and is willing to do all things for the good of His children. He loves you, specifically.  Remember that not only is God listening when you pray in comfortable surroundings, but He is also there to help when you are in the middle of a distressing storm, if only you keep the faith.

Copyright 2022 Jessica Tucker