August 10, 2008

"How wonderful it is that nodoby need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."
-- Anne Frank

This week's gospel has several lessons for us. First, notice that Jesus was taking "time out." He had just finished feeding the large crowd, and he went up the mountain alone to pray and renew himself-- to rest and remember what he was to do. We also need to take "time out" to rest and remember who we are, what we are to do and that God is always with us.

Matthew is the only evangelist with this story. Again, one of Matthew's themes is to encourage the Jewish Christians that Jesus is the Messiah they had been hoping for. Only God could walk on water. The fourth watch is about 3 a.m. Many times the Spirit can get through to us in the time just before we wake up, when our minds are at rest and can receive God's promptings. Many people talk about getting an inspiration during the night; and if they don't write it down, it's forgotten by morning.

The third lesson is to keep our eyes on Jesus. Peter was doing fine until he looked down and realized what he was doing. Do we trust Jesus enough to do what He asks -- to "get out of our boats" and follow Him. We certainly have enough challenges confronting us in our society. Jesus asks us to take risks, to step out in faith, maybe leaving some old ways of life behind. Following Jesus may be scary or difficult at times; but if we don't we'll never fully know God's presence and power.