God in the ordinary

Beyond the supernatural events

The gospel of Mathew (14:22–36) has an interesting passage about Jesus walking on the sea. The disciples thought he was a ghost; later Peter walks on the water, starts drowning and was helped by Jesus. Jesus reprimands Peter for his doubt there. Today when I read the passage, my first impression was not about these supernatural happenings, but on ordinary aspects which has the chance to be overlooked. They are possibly a few acts of Jesus.

1. “the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.” So Jesus went walking on the sea.
2. When the disciples in the middle of the sea were afraid😨 of seeing the ghost, Jesus says, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
3. When Peter began to sink — “ Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him”.
4. When they reached the shore, “people brought all their sick to him.” Though the healing is not explicitly mentioned there, I assume it to be a natural thing.

Beyond the supernatural one-time events, there is an attitude of Jesus, which was constant. He consoled the people in need. He dialogued with them. He was there for them.

One of the many saints celebrated today is St Peter Faber, the first Jesuit priest, even before Ignatius. He is a very beloved Saint, who was an apostle of retreats, reconciliation, dialogue etc, especially when there were huge divisions in the church due to the protestant reformation.