Tuesday, 8/8/17 – Words to Peter

Do we realize that Jesus is speaking a personal word to each one of us right now? We go through our day caught up in our own thoughts and listening to the words of other people. Yet do I realize that amidst the clutter of thoughts and words, Jesus has something to say to me right now? Am I listening to him? Or do I prefer to listen to the noise of my own mind?

We can get an idea of what Jesus sounds like and what messages he gives by listening to what he said to Peter (Matthew 14:22-36). Jesus had sent the disciples on their way as he retired to the mountain to pray.

“Meanwhile the boat (containing the disciples), already a few miles off shore, was being tossed by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth 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.”
The disciples were struggling against the wind and were being “tossed” by the waves. They were in deep trouble. No doubt they were afraid, though probably wouldn’t admit it. But when they saw Jesus, they could no longer contain their fear. They may have been able to handle the sea, but not a ghost. They were afraid of ghosts!

Jesus then spoke a word to Peter and the others:

“At once Jesus spoke to them, ‘Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Could it be that Jesus is speaking this same word to some of us right now? Notice that Jesus delivered his word “at once.” He wanted to bring immediate assurance to his disciples as they were gripped with fear. He didn’t stand by and enjoy watching these grown men being afraid of ghosts.

Is Jesus telling me to take courage? Is he assuring me that it is he approaching me? Is he telling me to let go of my fears?

Peter must have caught the “courage” part because he spoke up and said:

“Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’”

A brief injection of courage was all Peter needed to take a wild risk. Was he sure it was Jesus he saw? Before jumping onto the lake he said, “if it is you.” He may have wondered if it was a ghost after all.

Jesus then said a second word to Peter:

“Come.”

Jesus seldom speaks in lengthy paragraphs. With one word he offered his support and approval to Peter.
We know what happened next. Peter jumped onto the water and started walking proudly and confidently toward Jesus. Then he began to think about what he was doing and started shaking and slowing down. At a moment he came to his senses, stared down at the rough sea, and began to sink. He cried out to Jesus, “Lord, save me!”

Then came Jesus’ third word:

“Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt.’”

Jesus did not tell Peter to wait outside his office for a while; he acted immediately. He then pointed to the root of Peter’s fear—his weak faith. Once Peter shifted his attention from Jesus to his own thoughts, he lost his courage and began to sink into the sea. Peter learned the hard way. Little by little he was being taught to rely on Jesus rather than his own fear-based thinking. Why do we prefer to dwell on our own thoughts than on the words of Jesus?

Do I see any of myself in Peter? What am I afraid of? Could it be that I am afraid even when I sense Jesus coming to me? Would I like to take a risk, but choose the safety of being in my boat instead? No matter how I am feeling or what I am doing right now, Jesus is speaking to me the word that I most need to hear. He is giving me a word of encouragement, assurance and peace.

“Have mercy on me, O God, in your goodness; in the greatness of your compassion wipe out my offense” (Ps 51:3).

About the Author

Author Bob Garvey lives in Louisville, Kentucky. He has a master’s degree in religious education and has been an active leader in the Catholic charismatic renewal for forty years. After retiring as a high school teacher, he began to write daily commentaries on the Church’s liturgical readings and other topics relevant to Catholic spirituality. He is married to Linda, has three daughters and four grandchildren.

Author Archive Page

11 Comments

  1. Thsnks Bob, your word came to me exactly in the right moment that I needed it. Jesus is giving me a word of courage right now, but maybe I am not listening. All I have to do is to sit quiet and hear that word … COME. God bless you and all your family Bob.

  2. Thanks Bob marvey, your reflection frow the holy book really gave me an uplift, during my most difficult state. You made my mode better and putting my trust and faith to God again.thank you

  3. Thanks very much Bob, it a very wonderful morning for me to hear Jesus’s voice saying “Come”

  4. Great reflection Bob. However many times we don’t look at the whole picture which can cause fear and I will say satan loves it when we don’t look at the whole picture because that’s when he jumps in and does his best twisting he can do. It’s like this to my knowledge all the apostles were there even humble Saint Andrew and Saint John the one who our Heavenly Mother was given to us from the cross. We all have talents and states in life, Peter was the head of the Church became ultra humble in the end. Yes identify the fear, yes listen to Jesus but don’t think it’s over or partial or a one time happening then out. The listening is given to you to lead you to the whole message, this whole message includes all of us with our weaknesses and Jesus teaching us that Whether your the head of His church or not you still need me each minute of each day. That being said that’s my personal view and recognize my brothers and sisters and these brilliant people writing reflections as those of us together coping to get the whole picture “we need each other” the mystical body of christ. God bless

  5. Spot on Bob! And thank you, Jesus, for putting it in writing…still working on that listening thing.

  6. Hey Bob,

    Thought provoking reflection.

    Did Peter have weak faith?

    I don’t think so. He, after all, had enough courage and faith to actually take that first step out of the security of the boat. Jesus called, Peter went. Peter also had enough faith to ask for help when he needed it. Lessons we should all heed.

    My two cents.

    Mark

  7. Bob, thank you for this reflection … fear is the word in our minds. In the media’s of every nature. We live in a fearful, evil world. Every fear is available to all, old, young, and even babies. Jesus said, “Fear not for I have overcome the world.” Peter and the disciples saw Jesus and walked and were taught daily by Him. It is up to parents to “Tell me the stories of Jesus, I love to hear.” The church should teach doctrines, history, and show love and mercy to all.” To keep fear away, our hearts and minds should be on Jesus every moment and stay in the Light of Christ. In the darkness, evils will come forth along with many fears.
    “COME” said our Lord Jesus, and I will give you “PEACE.”

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