Tuesday 7 August
Matthew 14:22-36
For many centuries the Scriptures were never questioned or subjected to critical analysis. They were understood to be the divinely inspired Word of God, sacred, precious and revered by all. For saint and sinner alike they revealed the mind of God, and for those who meditated on them they became spiritual nourishment.
However, around 200 or 250 years ago, around the period we know as the Enlightenment, biblical criticism became very popular among the emerging new intellectuals of the day, who began to question the supernatural aspect of the Scriptures, especially the miracles of Jesus. They suggested that the miracles were ‘made up’ by the Evangelists as a kind of propaganda device and were no more than figments of the writers’ imaginations. Sadly, this way of thinking has infiltrated many who are still influenced by this approach and confess that they struggle to understand that all the miracles were actual events.
Interestingly, the miracle of Jesus walking on water, stepping out upon the Sea of Galilee, is one that has come under particular scrutiny from biblical scholars. We take our lead, however, not from biblical scholars or intellectuals but from the teaching of the Church and, in recent years, especially from the wisdom of Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict. This teaching affirms that the Evangelists were authentic witnesses of events that actually happened. In other words they did not lie or make stories up, but their testimony has spoken, and continues to speak, to people of faith. In walking on the water and defying gravity – probably the most powerful natural force in the universe – Jesus revealed himself as the Lord.
The Christian life can only be lived by faith. Faith is not a blind leap into the dark but rather the movement of the heart and mind toward the revelation of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. We can, rightly, interpret the actual event of Jesus walking on the water as having relevance for any human situation which is difficult, challenging and even overwhelming. When we face the tumultuous waters of life, we can know that Jesus speaks those very same words: ‘Take heart, it is I! Have no fear’ (v. 27).
The most beautiful act of faith is the one made in darkness, in sacrifice, and with extreme effort.
(St Padre Pio)
Jeremiah 30:1-2, 12-15, 18-22 • Psalm 101(102):16-23, 29
Matthew 14:22-36
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