There are many homiletic themes in the Gospel of Jesus walking on water. Let us turn our thoughts to just one.

We see Peter, who in his great desire but very weak faith, jumps out of the boat to meet Jesus. He begins to sink into the sea, a symbol of chaos and sin. With confusion in his mind and with fear of the strong wind, Peter begins in his sinking to realize that his confusion and fear are a result of his sins. He cries out, “Lord, save me!” And how does Jesus respond? “Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand an caught Peter” and asks him, “why did you doubt?”

Friends, how does Jesus stretch out His hand to us? He communicates to us through His seven Sacraments. And so in the midst of the storms that sometimes whirl around us, when we come to realize our own sinfulness and pride, we know where to turn: to confession, to the Eucharist, to the Anointing of the Sick. Do not be afraid to call out to Jesus. And you know what? “After they got into the boat, the wind died down.”

If you have experienced needing Jesus’ help and have been touched by His mercy and love, tell others so they may say with us here, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”