“IT IS A GHOST” THEY SAID

 XIX SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME - Matthew 14:22-33

Crossing the lake during the night, “battling with a heavy sea, for there was a head-wind”, the disciples were exhausted and prone to be misled by their imagination. Jesus had remained behind, taking the opportunity to remain alone and pray. So Jesus was not with them, and that filled them with worries. When Jesus approached  them walking on the lake, they got scared and thought the worst. They did not see Jesus, but a ghost, thus being unable to recognise him. Whenever faced with difficult situations, we can easily misread the situation and be induced into error. Instead of recognising Jesus’ divine presence, they reacted as if they were in the presence of the evil one. And Jesus had to say those reassuring and calming words: Do not be afraid. Courage! It is I! Jesus never comes to torment us. Indeed, he is the Prince of peace who brings relief to our souls.

The danger of being misled, confusing God’s presence with utterly different things, mainly those that destroy our peace, dignity and purpose, is a danger always present. In the first reading, we hear about Elijah who went to Horeb, the mountain of God, to have a deep experience of God. He was confronted with various situations that demanded understanding and perspicacity. Throughout generations, many people and many cultural traditions have understood natural phenomena as divine manifestations. Filled with discernment, Elijah was able to recognise that God cannot be confused with wind, earthquake or volcano (fire). He experienced God in a gentle breeze (1 Kings 19:9,11-13) that soothes the soul and brings peace to the heart.

The gospel presents a second part to the narrative of crossing the lake during the night. Peter addressed Jesus, saying: “Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.” It seems as if Peter was still doubting that it was really Jesus. He wanted a sign from Jesus. At the same time, he wanted to be like Jesus, doing what Jesus did. And Jesus invited him: Come! Jesus wants us to share in his glory. However, after a while, Peter got afraid, doubted and began to sink. He immediately addressed Jesus with the request that all of us must repeat: “Lord! Save me!”