Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Leaving the Safety of the Boat

If You Want To Walk on Water, You’ve Got To Get Out of the Boat! That’s the title of a popular book written about 15 years ago. That’s what Peter was invited to do. Remember the scene and the conversation. After an exhausting day, Jesus takes some time on the mountain to pray by himself. He sends his disciples ahead to cross to the other side of the sea. After some time passes, in the midst of a storm on the sea, Jesus comes walking on the water towards the disciples. They thought he was a ghost.

Jesus calms them with, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter is emboldened: “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” And Jesus says, “Come.”

We know that Peter succeeds in walking on water, and when he becomes frightened, he begins to sink. When he cries out to Jesus, “Save me,” Jesus extends a hand and catches Peter.

At least Peter tried! He did get out of the boat. He took a “leap of faith,” faltered, and had to ask for help. And he got it!

What are our invitations or “calls” to get out of the boat? Do we get out of the boat when we pray? When we act on some conviction? When we aren’t sure what value or principle is guiding or leading us?

How persistent are we in asking for help? In praying? In acting courageously? What causes us to falter, to lose sight of our goal—that relationship with Jesus that invites us to get out of our comfort zones, the safety of the boat (or whatever structure, belief, value keeps us afloat) to some untested, unpracticed “walking on water” for the first time.

Do I want to walk on water? Do I even want to try?