Here’s How to Walk on Water with Jesus
2023년 8월 13일Here’s How to Walk on Water with Jesus
< Nineteenth Sunday of Ordinary Time >
When I was pastor of Hwoi Weon Dong parish in Masan, Korea, and responsible for building our new church, this passage from today’s gospel was my favorite. I had never built anything in my life (except a pigeon coop!), and there I was trying to construct a house of worship, rectory and classrooms. When I signed the building contract for $200,000, my heart sank. I felt just like Peter—drowning. I was in way over my head.
The disciples were afraid for their lives as their small boat was buffeted by a storm at night on the Sea of Galilee. When they saw Jesus coming to them walking on the water, they thought he was a ghost and screamed out in terror. Jesus reassured them, “Fear not. It is I. Do not be afraid.”Impetuous Peter said, “If it is really you, Lord, call me to come to you!” So Jesus said, “Okay, Peter, come on over!” So like one of those Road Runner cartoons, Peter took a few steps out of the boat—and sank like a rock. (Peter means rock!) The wind, the waves, the impossibility of what he was doing caused Peter to lose sight of the One who was calling, he sank. But when he kept his eyes focused on Jesus, his Lord, his Master, his God, Peter too walked on water! And that’s what I felt like in Masan. The debt, the difficulties were overwhelming— till I concentrated on the Lord who called me to do the impossible. And within two years the church was finished—and paid for! When the Lord calls you, follow! Do not be afraid. And when things seem impossible and you feel like you’re in way over your head, remember to keep your attention and eyes fixed on Jesus —and watch miracles happen!