by Sharon Marr
(Based on Matt 14:22-33; Gen 37:1-4,12-28; Ro 10:5-15)
As we gather today, our readings invite us to reflect on three experiences that many of us know well: rejection, faith, and life’s storms. These are not just stories from long ago. They are the realities of every human life, and perhaps especially familiar to those of us who have walked this life for a wee while.
The first reading tells us about Joseph, the beloved son of Jacob. Rejected by his brothers – understandably in my opinion – then sold into slavery, he lost everything familiar. Yet his story reminds us that rejection is never the end of God’s story. Years later, Joseph recognised that God had been at work even through the cruelty of others. What was intended for evil, God transformed into an opportunity to save many lives.
Many of us know the pain of rejection or disappointment. Even as we grow older we may feel overlooked or forgotten by a society that values youth more than wisdom. Yet Joseph reminds us that God never forgets his children. Even when we cannot understand our trials, God continues to work quietly for our good.
Paul, in the second reading, reminds us that “the same Lord is Lord of all, generous to all who call upon Him”. No one is excluded from his love. No one is beyond his mercy.
That is wonderful news, especially for those who may sometimes wonder whether their lives still matter. Our value does not depend on our strength or productivity but on being beloved sons and daughters of God.
Many of you have spent a lifetime calling on God. Through joys and sorrows, he has remained faithful. Your quiet witness of prayer, patience, forgiveness and hope continues to strengthen your families and the Church. Never underestimate the power of a life lived faithfully.
Having reminded us of God’s wisdom and mercy, the Gospel reading shows us what that mercy looks like in action. The disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee when a storm arises. The wind is strong, the waves are high, and they are struggling to make progress. Then, in the darkest part of the night, they see Jesus walking towards them on the water. At first they are terrified. They think they are seeing a ghost. But Jesus speaks those reassuring words: “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.”
Peter responds with remarkable faith. “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus simply replies, “Come.”
Peter steps out of the boat and begins to walk towards Jesus. For those first few moments his eyes are fixed on the Lord, and the impossible becomes possible. But then Peter notices the wind. He becomes frightened. His attention shifts from Christ to the storm around him. He begins to sink and cries out one of the shortest and most beautiful prayers in the Gospel: “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus stretches out his hand and catches him.
Did you notice in this short reading, three times the word immediately is used. In the original Greek the word eutheōs was used, meaning immediately or straightaway! Doesn’t it speak volumes of the response of Jesus to our cries?
This speaks deeply to us all. The storms we face today may be different from those of our youth. They may be worries about our health, declining strength, increasing dependence, or the loss of people we dearly love. We may worry about our children or grandchildren, or wonder what the future will bring. Some storms are visible; others are carried quietly within our hearts.
Jesus never promised his disciples a life without storms. Instead, he promised that he would be with them in the midst of them. That is the great comfort of today’s reading. Christ does not wait for the storm to end before coming to us. He comes while the wind is still blowing and the waves are still crashing. Peter’s mistake was not that he became afraid. Fear is part of being human. His mistake was allowing the storm to become greater than his awareness of Christ. Peter focused on how he was doing. He judged himself. He measured his performance.
That sinks us every time. How often that happens to us. We become so focused on our concerns that we lose sight of the One who is standing right beside us.
Yet, even then, Jesus does not abandon Peter. He does not say, “Try harder,” or, “Come back when your faith is stronger.” The Gospel says, “Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him.”
That single word – immediately – is full of hope. The Lord does not delay his mercy. With love he reaches out as soon as Peter calls. What saved Peter was his belovedness. And we are all loved by God.
Many of us have prayed Peter’s prayer ourselves: “Lord, save me.” Perhaps in a hospital room. Perhaps beside the bed of a dying spouse. Perhaps during times of loneliness, uncertainty or grief. Sometimes those three words are all we can manage. The beautiful truth is that they are enough.
Every sincere prayer reaches the heart of God. He knows our fears before we speak them. He understands our weakness. He is never ashamed of those who cry out to him for help. We are loved. Perhaps that is one of the greatest lessons we learn as we grow older. We discover that life has never depended on our own strength alone. Looking back, we can often see that God was lovingly carrying us through moments when we thought we were walking by ourselves.
Today, let us place our lives into his hands once again. If we carry memories of rejection, let us remember Joseph. If we ever wonder whether we still matter, let us remember Paul’s assurance, that God is rich in mercy toward all who call upon him. If we find ourselves facing storms we cannot control, let us remember Peter, whose simple cry, “Lord, save me,” was enough for Jesus to reach out his hand.
The God who guided Joseph, inspired Paul, and rescued Peter is the same Lord who walks beside us today. He has not abandoned us. He has not forgotten us. He is still reaching out his hand. May we keep our eyes fixed on him, trusting that whatever storms we face, his hand is always stronger than the wind, his love deeper than our fears, and his mercy greater than all our weakness. Amen.
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