Walking on Water

Gospel: Matthew 14: 22-30

Jesus does something unexpected, something he has never done before.  He comes walking on water to us in our boat.  We are incredulous; we want proof.  So, Peter asks for proof: bid me to walk on water too!  Jesus allows it, knowing what will happen.  Peter makes a few steps forward, but then he falters and sinks.  He needs to be rescued from himself, and the Lord rebukes him for his lack of faith.  Lather, rinse, repeat.

This is our life with the Lord Jesus as well.  Jesus continually does new, unexpected things in our lives that challenge our comfort zones.  Time and again he challenges us to expand our circle of love, to make it ever more inclusive and universal.  And time and again we are resistant.  We take a few steps forward, but then we falter and sink.  We need to be rescued from ourselves, and we are rebuked for our lack of faith.  Lather, rinse, repeat.  

We grow comfortable with the Jesus we knew.  We are accustomed to the healings, the feeding of those hungry and in need.  We have come to see him in those familiar to us - our family, friends, some church goers.  But when the Lord does something new - when he asks us to see him in people we do not like - what then?  Lord, increase our faith.  Increase our love.