Retreat House Partner Regina Hunt Reflects on Matthew 14:22-23

In this time of many unknowns, this passage brings to mind the words fear, faith, and trust. We are immersed in trying to handle these days of Covid with its limitations on our freedom, isolation from those we love, and all the losses that would have been unimaginable months ago.

There is an underlying grief in the loss of our world as we knew it, the loss of so many lives perhaps even those who are near and dear to us, and the seemingly endless news reports of more loss and even continuing uncertainty. Part of grief is fear and even the bravest among us are experiencing fear. We may not recognize it while we focus on the boredom and exhaustion of isolation, conflicting messages for safely in navigating an enemy we cannot see, and the UNKNOWN, which seems to be in capital letters.

In this passage, Peter wanted to join Jesus on the water but needed encouragement, something that we all need right now. Jesus assures him that he need not be afraid-just step out in faith. But fear overcame Peter as he walked toward Jesus. With too much wind buffeting the water and making his steps unsteady, he cried out for Jesus to save him as he sank into the swirling sea. Then Jesus reached out and caught him admonishing him for his doubt, his lack of faith.

Faith and trust are partners in this story, and we need to embrace them as our partners now. We are all in this storm together even though some of us are in different boats. What we can do is trust in God and focus on that trust. When have we been fearful in the past? From where did our help come? What might each of us be called to do now? How can we put our faith and trust in action that can help us and others weather this storm? Who around us is fearful and needs assurance? How can we be the calming voice saying, “Don’t be afraid?”

What if we put our trust in God and science, courageously step out in faith onto the swirling sea of this unprecedented time and live the call to not be afraid? We may still be fearful, but it need not paralyze us.

In the words of poet and author David Whyte, “To be courageous is to stay close to the way we are made…Courage is what love looks like when tested by the simple everyday necessities of being alive.”

In this time, we can allow ourselves to feel the fear and do what must be done knowing that we are made in the image of God and accompanied by God’s steadfast, loving, and merciful presence.

Regina Hunt is a trained spiritual director and covenant partner of Retreat House.

LIsten to Rev. Dr. Lil Smith's Guided Meditation for Praying the Lectionary for Matthew 14:22-33

Invitation
As you experience the practice of praying the lectionary, adopt a loving, caring and compassionate stance. If the end of your prayer and meditation time is not pointing to love and hope, there is more work to do. Keep wrestling. God is faithful to your journey. Love and hope will emerge. Be gentle with yourself and befriend any judgment that arises in you.

This excerpt was taken from a weekly meditation. To sign up to receive these, email us.