Walking on WaterAugust 10, 2026

A few thoughts about walking on water

The Gospel reading this past Sunday about Jesus walking on water is one of my favorites. The disciples were so human; they saw someone appearing on the water, thought it was a ghost, and screamed! “At once” Jesus identified himself and calmed their fears.

And then there was Peter. Jesus identifying himself was not enough, apparently. “Lord, if it’s you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus patiently accommodated him and invited him out. Then they met on the water, shook hands, and walked to the boat together.

Just kidding.

You probably know what happened next. Peter looked away from Jesus and down at the troubled waters, became frightened, and began to sink. He cried out to Jesus to save him, and “immediately” Jesus took him by the hand and pulled him up with a gentle reprimand, “How little faith you have.”

The disciples were very human and sometimes slow to get the message. Yet Jesus responded “at once” to calm their terror and “immediately” to save Peter.

Often in my own spiritual life, I think I am doing just fine, and then a storm hits my little boat and I take my eyes off Jesus. Yet he is right here, responding at once to my fears and immediately to my prayer for help. All I need is faith.

How are you doing in your little boat?

Sister Elaine Berkopec