Reflection
The gospel today reveals profound realities. We could focus on its miraculous signs—Jesus walking on water and inviting Peter to do the same—but today let us attend more closely to the dynamics it uncovers.
Beneath the dramatic story before us today lie many significant dynamics that are part of each of our ministries and vocations. Whether we live God’s gifts in the forums of marriage, dedicated single life, helping occupations and/or religious or clerical life, we all meet these dynamics.
- Like the first disciples, we are often sent on ahead of Jesus. Sometimes this is to be missionary in the sense that our words and example of life will introduce Jesus to others, and at other times it can mean that we are his ambassadors to those who are already in relationship with Jesus.
- Fear can blind us to ‘see’ Jesus and hides itself within the reality of ‘doubt’, while relationship to Jesus and listening to his invitations in life inspire faith and trust. The words of Jesus “take courage… do not be afraid” name this dynamic and challenge it.
- There are often unintended and certainly uninvited moments of challenge and stress that at times interrupt ministry or form the context that surrounds us as we work. It alerts us to the truth that we should not expect our ministry (or indeed our lives) to take place always in stable or calm situations.
- As the gospel scene begins and as it ends, we see Jesus at work amidst the crowds. So often the world or those who need us crowd our lives, and yet ministry is needed or expected to continue. Like Jesus, we can’t face those constant demands without periods of quiet and prayer – as he models.
