Helping Hands

Dear Friends,

This morning we hear the familiar story of the disciple Peter as he attempts to join Jesus in walking on the water in the midst of a stormy night on the sea of Galilee.  You know how it goes…at first Peter is able to take a few steps, but just as soon as he realizes what he’s doing, he falters and falls. 

I’ve often wondered about this.  Why is it that Peter even felt the need to “walk on water?”  What was he trying to prove?  How about you and me?  What is it about each of us that admires people who purportedly “walk on water,” and why do we expect the same of ourselves?

When I think about my own failed attempts to walk on water, I’m reminded of a time three years ago when I attempted to clean a clogged gutter all by myself.  There was some urgency to the matter, so I leaned an old extension ladder against the house and climbed up.  When I reached the top, the ladder began to wobble and give way. It clattered to the ground and so did I. Badly bruised and unable to walk, I dragged myself to my cell phone and called 911.  You guess where the story went from there.  Thank God for paramedics - and the hands and hearts and expertise they extend to those who find themselves in predicaments such as mine

Likewise, I imagine that Peter thanked God when Jesus extended him the hand that kept him from drowning and landed him back in the boat with the other disciples (who, by the way, felt no need to walk on water, and were focused instead on helping their fellow disciples keep the boat from sinking).

So again, I ask, what is it about us that thinks we need to walk on water?  Whether it is cleaning a gutter on our own, exceeding the expectations of our employers, navigating a health challenge, or fulfilling the desires of our families and friends.  What are we trying to prove?  Who are we trying to please?

Maybe this is the point of our gospel story.  Because if you think about it, it wasn’t Jesus who suggested that Peter walk on water, it was Peter who asked Jesus to command him to do so.  I can’t help but wonder if Jesus was smiling to himself as he saw Peter step out onto the sea, knowing full well the waves would get the best of Peter and that he’d need a helping hand.

It’s not as though we who follow Jesus aren’t called to and aren’t enabled to do amazing things.  Only never alone, and for ourselves alone.  In fact, I can’t help but wonder if it wouldn’t be a whole lot like ‘walking on water’ if we simply acknowledged this. I wonder if walking on water is more like stepping past our fears and uncertainties in the face of stormy seas, and instead of going it alone, looking around us and asking for help?  Before, and not after, we sink or fall?

With gratitude for the helping hands you extend to me and to each other,

Amelie+