Adrift at Sea

Gospel: Matthew 14: 22-33

The disciples find themselves at the whims of the sea between the crowd on one side of the shore and Jesus on the other.  The sea is unsettled, the wind is brisk, it is the dark of night, and they are adrift.  At a certain point, coming out of the darkness comes Jesus walking out to them on the sea.  They are frightened, thinking they see a ghost.  Jesus has to reassure them:  do not be frightened, it is I.  Jesus comes to bring peace and reassurance.  

Yet, Peter is not convinced.  If it really is you, bid me come out to you on the sea.  So Jesus invites him to come walk on the water.  Peter approaches and initially has success in walking out to Jesus.  But a gust of wind frightens him and he sinks into the sea, needing Jesus to help rescue him.  How often it is that the slightest distraction and inconvenience we sink into the water.  How often are we adrift at sea between the crowds and Jesus.  

The more we read the Gospels, the more we come to realize that they are not so much about the literal story as much as they are about the constant examination of our spiritual lives.  Whether this story took place or not is not as important as our own status the story seeks for us to discern.  Are we moved by the emotions of the sea as the disciples, unable to decide whether the crowd is more important or being with the Lord on the mountaintop? Is discipleship our priority, or imitating the Lord Jesus?