Page 186 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 8

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human beings as created persons.
The crowd under Jesus’ teaching, after being pleasingly fed, begins to
buzz and conspire. The mood of the mob was ripe to turn Jesus’ gift of
nourishment into a political coup. The timing of this spontaneous press
for a new sovereign was not fit for our Lord’s assent to his rightful positi-
on. Jesus thus directed the disciples to make an immediate lake crossing.
He himself withdrew into mountain solitude for an extended period of
prayer. The climax of the passage comes during the pre-dawn watch.
After over eight hours of laboring against the wind, the disciples were
in imminent danger from the now raging storm. Jesus appears, walking
across the turbulent water. Seasoned fishermen or not, these seamen were
deeply alarmed to encounter a ghostly figure approaching them amidst
the tempestuous darkness. What more ominous sign could peak their
fear to its highest level during this distressing squall than a mysterious
visitor from another world? This is where the author’s spotlight reveals a
striking theological theme. The exchange between Jesus and Peter exem-
plifies a continuous loop in our lives. It is often observed during seasons
of crisis in the lives of our parishioners and patients.

The scene is one of chaos, danger and the unknown. Then Jesus announ-
ces himself, using words that echo his heavenly Father: “I am” or “It is I”
(Exodus 3:14; Isaiah 43:10; 13). Peter recognizes and responds to Jesus’
voice. There is a bold declaration of willingness to imitate the master.
With Jesus the Messiah in his earnest gaze, Peter does the impossible. He
takes those famous first steps outside of the boat and across the surface.
It is no surprise that his concentration is compelled to return to the im-
mediate surround of wind and waves. Peter begins to sink. There is such
a familiar ring to his fateful cry, “Lord, save me.” And Jesus does exactly
that. Jesus reaches out; offers his hand and executes the rescue. These
memorable words and the striking visual exchange offer a powerful theo-
logical motif of the overarching theodrama. Here is God in human flesh,
speaking and doing.

Each person is a distinctive living soul, designed with the capacity to be
a communitive agent in covenant relationships with others and with the
Lord. There is often an emphasis in the retelling of this particular gospel
event on Peter’s eagerness, impulsivity, and eventually, his inconsisten-
cy. Observations on his personality features are interesting, particularly
to those who are psychologically minded. Nevertheless, it is not around
these human characteristics that this story turns. The walking on water
episode is foremost about the majesty, wonder and safety that our Lord
exhibits from his very essence. After all, he is the Great King. This is his
kingdom, even if he entertains no plan to assume that throne at the in-
sistence of a fickle crowd impressed by an extemporaneous meal. Jesus
speaks and acts from who he is in eternity and in relation to the God-
head. From this identity, Jesus dialogues and performs with persons he
loves.

Notice the underlying and telling theological movement. Pandemonium
and panic is all around. Jesus announces his presence. He is recognized

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