19th Sunday, August 10, 2008
 
After three weeks of hearing Jesus’ parables, we are now in the middle of three weeks of hearing his powerful works.  Last week it was the feeding of the thousands.  Today the calming of the storm after walking on water. As always, we must look beyond the details to the meaning.  These miracle stories were told by the early Christian community not so much to look back to a wonder-working Jesus but rather to proclaim their faith in Jesus and to enlighten the community about the possibility of meeting the risen Jesus in their present lives.  
 
Walking on water is something God does.  Job, for example, said: “God alone stretches out the heavens and walks upon the crests of the sea.”  Today’s gospel, then, offers insight into Jesus’ identity.  Similarly, his conversation with the terrified disciples: “It is I” can also be translated “I am”—the divine name.  We can say Jesus is God, or we can tell a much more engaging story!
 
Our readings also invite us to ponder where we encounter God.  In the gospel, it is in the midst of  fears and threatening forces.   In the first reading, from Kings, it is not in the dramatic and powerful, but in the quiet and simple.
 
In the second reading, we continue Paul’s letter to the Romans, beginning a long and complex section in which Paul wrestles with how his people, the Jews, will also be saved. A few verses each Sunday is no way to appreciate these three dense chapters.  I encourage you to find time to read prayerfully the entire section--chapters 9, 10, and 11.
 
Let’s listen to God’s word!
 
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What part of the story caught your attention?  Jesus walking on water?  Peter’s bold request or his sinking?  How about Jesus’ simple yet profound invitation: “Come.” Since Peter and the disciples represent Matthew’s community—and now us—“come, walk on water” is also addressed to us!  The call to discipleship, to be co-workers with God in creating a new world, is rich in drama, seriousness, challenge, and amazing grace.
 
Not unlike Matthew’s community, we too face threatening forces: war in our world, polarization in our church and society, sickness in our families.  You all can add many more.  But the call remains: Come.
 
Our response, of course, depends on our encounters with God. Sometimes we hear a still small voice. Sometimes we boldly proclaim God’s praise.  Sometimes we sink, but Jesus is still there.  
 
“Fear not.  Get out of the boat.  Come, follow me.”  This presidential election season, this year of St Paul, this August of 2008, is there something keeping you from following Jesus with joy, trust, and enthusiasm?  How are you being called to get out of the boat?