Walking Through Storms
There is something profoundly human about Peter in today’s Gospel. We admire his courage for stepping out of the boat, but perhaps we identify even more with what happens next. The Gospel does not tell us that Peter lacked faith when he stepped out. In fact, it was faith that moved him to leave the safety of the boat. The problem began when his attention shifted. Instead of keeping his eyes fixed on Jesus, he became absorbed by the strength of the wind and the violence of the waves. As Peter’s gaze shifted from Jesus to the storm, doubt submerged his certainty, confusion obscured his clarity, fear displaced his trust, anxiety overcame his courage, and, ultimately, sorrow robbed him of his joy.
How often this happens in our own lives. There are moments when God invites us to take a step beyond our comfort zone: to forgive someone who has hurt us, to make a difficult decision, to embrace a new vocation, to accompany a suffering loved one, or simply to trust that God is working even when we cannot see the outcome. We begin with confidence, but somewhere along the journey, we become preoccupied with the “winds” around us—the uncertainties, disappointments, criticism, financial burdens, fragile health, or fears about the future. Slowly, we begin to sink under the weight of what once seemed manageable.
Yet today’s Gospel is not ultimately about Peter’s failure. It is about Jesus’ immediacy. The most comforting word in the passage may be “immediately.” Peter cries, “Lord, save me!” and immediately Jesus stretches out his hand. There is no lecture before the rescue. No delay. No test to determine whether Peter deserves help. Grace always precedes correction. Jesus first saves him; only then does he gently ask, “Why did you doubt?” Perhaps, for this reason, the greatest miracle in today’s gospel is not that Jesus walked on water or that Peter briefly did the same. The greater miracle is that God’s hand is always closer than our fear. Even when our faith falters, his faithfulness never does.
This is the God we encounter in prayer. A God who does not stand at a distance waiting for us to become strong enough. A God who enters our storms, walks upon the very waters that threaten us, and reaches out before we are completely overwhelmed. Today, perhaps Jesus is inviting us not to have perfect faith, but to keep turning our eyes back toward him. The winds may not disappear immediately. The waves may continue for a while. But as long as Christ is in the boat, as long as our eyes are fixed on Him—and more importantly, as long as we are in his hands—we need not be afraid.
Reflection Questions
1. When have I experienced Jesus “immediately” reaching out to me in moments when I felt I was sinking?
2. What are the “strong winds” or fears in my life today that are drawing my eyes away from Christ and weakening my trust in Him?
3. Where is Jesus inviting me today to step out with greater courage, trusting that His hand is always there to catch me?
Rev. Rashmi Fernando, SJ
I am a Jesuit priest and educator from the island nation of Sri Lanka, historically known as Serendib or Ceylon. I have been blessed to receive Jesuit formation and higher education across Asia, Europe, and America. Most recently, I earned my Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership in Education (Ed.D.) from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, USA, where my dissertation explored global citizenship through the lens of undergraduates’ study-abroad experiences. Deeply convinced of the power of positive narratives that education can create, I believe it holds the key to addressing the ‘care-crises’ that weigh upon humanity and our shared ‘common home,’ while also emancipating individuals and communities. In addition to serving as an online faculty member with Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL)—Jesuit Higher Education in the Margins— to students in Africa and the Middle East, I am currently assigned to Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Determined to make a distinctive, active, and intellectually grounded contribution through Jesuit higher education, I am deeply passionate about reading, writing, and teaching on global citizenship, interdisciplinary leadership, and justice and peacebuilding. In this spirit, I hold close the words of Helen Steiner Rice: “Life is a fabric, weave it with tender care; Upon the loom of life, your pattern is rare.” While I cherish the uniqueness that defines my own life and journey, I am equally committed and eager to recognizing, celebrating, and defending the uniqueness of others—believing that true beauty is revealed where there is unity in diversity, and diversity in unity.
Keep smiling—because God loves you always! I mean, ALWAYS!
