Peter’s bold move. If there’s one thing to admire in Peter in today’s gospel (Matt 14:22-33), it’s his boldness. In the midst of a terrifying storm at sea, Peter sees Jesus walking on the water and yells out: “Lord, if it is you, command me...” Stop and think what’s happening. Peter here is requesting that Jesus command him to walk on the water, with the implication being that only if it is Jesus’ will. In other words, “It’s up to you Jesus, do with me what you will.” Peter knows that only Jesus has the power to enable him to walk on the water. This is courageous faith.
The sin of presumption. Peter’s bold request is different than committing the sin of presumption: “presum(ing) upon God’s almighty power or his mercy” such as attempting to obtain God’s forgiveness without conversion (Catechism paragraph #2092). One can also presume upon God’s power to achieve something for selfish gain, such as some popular televangelists in the “Word of Faith” movement do who erroneously teach that Christians can get power and financial prosperity through prayer, and that those who believe in Jesus have the right to physical health …“All you have to do is ‘believe’.” Such presumption (expecting with confidence) that God will do something because you ask Him for it “in faith, in Jesus’ name” implies in the Word of Faith movement that if God doesn’t grant it, you must have too little faith. Whereas Peter asks in faith to walk on water if it is Jesus’ will, presumption asks for something believing absolutely that it is God’s will.
Peter is not bold enough! Back to the gospel. After asking Jesus in faith to walk on water, Peter waits… and Jesus responds “Come!” As long as Peter keeps his eyes of faith on Jesus, he walks on water, but when he depends only on his own ability, he sinks. Jesus says, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?" not to condemn Peter but to correct and encourage him to have even greater and more courageous and enduring faith. It’s as if Jesus were saying, “You’re asking for too little! …Ask for more! …Do not doubt that I will give to you far more than what you can do on your own!”
Our take-away. Jesus DOES want us to ask in faith and confidence to receive what He wants to give (“Ask and you will receive…”), however the context of His promise is that we are to ask for that which will help us to get to heaven (Luke 11:13), not to stay on earth. Jesus didn’t abandon Peter in the storm, and neither does He abandon us in the storms of our life. He is always near with hand outstretched, ready to save us when we call out to him, to lift us up from any doubt of faith. And He always wants us to ask for more!
Peace in Christ,
Father Jim
