SAVED FROM THE TURBULENT WATERS

 Meditation for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A
(1 Kg 19:9, 11-13, Rm 9:1-5, Mt 14:22-33)

Self-preservation is the greatest instinct in the human person. Unfortunately, it is equally the greatest source of temptation in man. It was the foundational principle with which the serpent lured Eve to attempt the forbidden fruit (cf. Gen 3:4-5). The question of self-preservation became part of the passion of Christ when the leaders mocked Him, saying, “He saved others, let him save himself if he is the Christ of God, the Chosen One” (Lk 23:35). The soldiers added to the injury, saying to him, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself” (Lk 23:36). Humanly speaking, ‘saving oneself’ and ‘securing one’s wellbeing’ appear to be our predominant preoccupations. However, the grace of the resurrection assures us that our ultimate self-preservation is in Christ Jesus. He says, “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it” (Mt 16:24-25).

Let us meditate how Jesus stepped forward, walking on the water, to save the disciples, who were on the sea battling with the waves. Think about the silent, gentle and steady steps of Jesus in the midst of the aggressive, violent and noisy storm! His calm and courage outweighed the fear and tension roused by the turbulent waves. As the apostles gazed upon Him in this situation, we immediately recall how Elijah encountered God in a still small voice after enduring great wind, earthquake and fire. Jesus is always present in our life-journey. Sometimes, we do not realize it or seek Him until there is a storm.

 

The disciples were terrified once more when they saw Jesus walking freely and confidently on the turbulent waters, which was their greatest threat at that time. “But immediately He spoke to them, saying, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” His words were consoling enough, but Peter needed proof of faith. He said to Jesus, “Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water.” Jesus replied immediately, “Come.” Peter knew He could not walk on the water, passing through the storm unless Jesus gave him the authority to do so. Most importantly, he believed that in the name of Jesus He too could walk on the turbulent waters, for with God all things are possible.

 

Peter walked on the water towards Jesus. With the authority of Jesus, in His name and towards Him, we too shall step forward and pass through any storm in our lives. But the temptation of self-preservation is always around the corner! When Peter shifted his attention from Jesus and began to feel the strength of the waves and the storm, fear of losing his life beclouded him. At this point, he felt helpless at the opposing storm and began to sink. At once he cried out, “Lord, save me.” And immediately Jesus stretched out His saving arm and caught him, saying, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

 

From the Cross, Jesus continues to stretch out His mystical saving arm that we may not sink in the waters of life. Man cannot save himself; Jesus saves! No matter what the storm that is trying to engulf us, we only need to believe that with His authority and in His name, we can pass through, and stretch out our arms of prayer and call upon Him. Like Peter, we call upon him by the words of our prayers, even when they are silently uttered in the secrets of the heart. And by stretching forth our hands we take the proper action and behavior that corresponds with our faith and prayer life. At the end, everything will lead to the glory of God, for, “When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped Him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’” Amen.

 

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church,

Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.

Sunday, August 13^th, 2023.

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