Jer 30:1-2,12-15,18-22, Ps 102:16-21,29,22-23, Matthew 14:22-36

I think the key to today’s readings is the exchange between Jesus and Peter in the midst of the stormy sea. Jesus invited Peter to come to him across the water and Peter starts out with confidence but the wind and rain undermine his resolve and sinking he calls out to be saved and Jesus does just that. Asking Peter, “why did you doubt?”

That is the exchange I think goes on between us and God all the time.  In the midst of life’s upsets and turbulent fears, whether it is little things and small situations or big challenges, we have a hope that we can make it through, we catch a glimpse of Jesus, perhaps just a sense of God’s presence. We wonder, like the disciples, is it real or is it a ghost? If it is God’s presence then we can make it through. We, like Peter, venture out eager to leave doubt and fear behind. But all too often things don’t go as planned, we can’t really be sure of what’s involved and we second guess our first decision. We look around and say to ourselves what am I doing here. I must be crazy to put myself in this position.

The reality is we were graced enough to try. We struck out to accomplish the best, to make the world better, but now it doesn’t look so good and we’re not sure if this is right, if it’s safe.  Do we call out for help, do we check-in with Jesus? If we do, there’s a chance to be saved. If we ask for the help we need, if we recognize our fear and ask for God’s support. Then we may find that the turbulence of the sea has died down, we are on solid ground again and like Jesus, can go on from the experience to heal others who come and ask for help.

This story isn’t about lack of faith. It’s about calling out for help when we need it. It’s about wanting to be at Jesus’ side, walking on water, doing the impossible, changing the world and how we live. We don’t have to be overcome by fear, apprehension or high winds. The key is to be willing to call out to the one who saves when we recognize our own fears.

Staying with any course of action that’s worthwhile isn’t easy. Ask Israel. Jeremiah, the prophet, in our first reading recounts a similar repeating story. The People of God do the wrong thing and God enacts judgment against them. Then just as all seems lost for a nation that is supposed to know that God loves them, God restores their fortunes and graces their future by promising to be their God and protect them against all harm. Saving Israel, saving us is what God does. Over and over Israel can’t quite stay the course. Only God is their constant.

I think this is a pattern each of us can find in our lives. Hopefully like those who were with Peter and Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel when life’s challenges seem ready to sink us, we will be able to recognize God’s presence in our own boat and ask for the help we need.