Medals

Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening, he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. 

During the fourth watch of the 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. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.”

Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was, he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.” After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed. (Matthew 14:22-36)

We might question what kind of tossed boat must we get into?  Also, why is that boat a few miles from shore, and at night!? That’s a long way off from the safety of the shore with the wind being against us.  What prompted us to take such risks knowing we sink in deep water?  There’s no walking back to dry land.  

Jesus and Peter walking on water reminds us of the importance of having faith.  We can do the seemingly impossible when we believe we can.  It’s somewhat similar to those many athletes at the Tokyo Olympics performing incredible feats of strength, speed, and endurance.  Of course, they train very hard.  And that’s the point.  

Faith is important, but faith won’t keep us dry unless we strengthen it through prayer and acts of kindness and courage.  A strong faith can save us, chase away fear, and stop us from sinking into doubt and even despair.  We simply must exercise our faith with Jesus as our coach, and with his help we can prevail and win medals, not gold, silver, or bronze, but ones of honor.

Deacon David Pierce