The Catholic Defender Jesus Walks On the Water To Aid US in Storms of Life

"Then he made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once [Jesus] spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how [strong] the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

This Easter Vigil represents many millions of conversions around the world to the Catholic Faith. Many will receive Baptism, all will receive Confirmation and then the Holy Eucharist.

From this experience, when the emotion clears, when time settles and life resumes that constant pressure, that is when the Holy Spirit really needs to be leaned upon.

The winds will rage, the water will rise, the world will bear false witness and push agendas against the faithful. There will be times when many will doubt their decision of faith. However, in those times that we fill the most challenged, we call upon the Lord and he gives us incredible strength. Like St. Peter, Jesus pulls us up and lifts us back to our feet, even when we should fall, Jesus is there.

The Sacraments offer grace that is life-saving, they are God's means to live the life of grace every day that helps up through trials and tribulation. Jesus walking on the water can be found in the Gospel accounts of Matthew (14:22-33), Mark (6:45-52), and John (6:16-21) showing the importance of this sign and it's meaning.

Jesus reveals his Divinity showing that He knows what is happening to the Apostles out late at night in troubled waters. This story helps us in our faith, it gives us courage to face our storms. As Jesus knew what was happening with the Apostles, He knows what is happening now in our lives.

I've talked with people who will acknowledge that when they look back in their lives, they can see the footprints of God in their lives, even in tough times. It might not always be easy to understand those things that do happen, but Jesus is very aware of what is happening in your life. Jesus is there for you.

Because of the storms of life, we not always recognize the Lord's presence, sometimes it becomes a matter of faith and trust. There are times because of our doubts, we lose faith. That causes us to sink and it is imperative that we cry out to God for help. As it was for St. Peter, Jesus is always available for those who call upon His Name.

When Jesus gives us a mission through His Church or through a need that come to you, Jesus is more than capable to bring back an answer. I love John 6:21 which tells what happens as soon as Jesus steps into the boat! Even though the Apostles were near the center of the lake, immediately, the boat docks on dry land. Motor boats today could not respond like that. Jesus will enable us to complete our objectives. I love what St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta said about missions! It is not really our success that matters, it is our faithfulness.

We become the Lord's voice when we speak His word, we become His hands when we do what he calls, and we become His feet when we go where He sends us. That could very well be family members, friends, co-workers, maybe even strangers. Go with God and may His Blessing be upon you. For those receiving the Sacraments this Easter Vigil and Pentecost, welcome Home.