Main news for 14 August 2022

For many of our contemporaries, accustomed to interpreting stories of miraculous events rationally, it is hard to imagine that Christ could actually walk on the waters. Such interpreters propose considering this episode a parable that almost by misunderstanding got into the main narrative. One can, however, recall that there is much in the world that "was never dreamed of by the sages" and can only with difficulty be explained rationally. We will not argue, but let us note that Jesus not only spoke in parables; every action of His also had the meaning of a parable taught to those around Him. Therefore in the walking on the waters too we have the right to see not a demonstration of unusual abilities producing an impressive effect, but a lesson taught to the disciples, from which they themselves had to draw conclusions.

Peter, if he did not understand this fully, at least felt it and immediately rushed toward Christ on the waters. He was able to walk on the water, and this means that what Christ does can be accessible to His disciples as well. But halfway Peter doubted, and this is so familiar to us. How often, having undertaken something, we yield to the false feeling, as though saying, "Who am I to act this way?" And we begin to sink where we could have stood firm.

Yes, even after we have made a choice, doubts about its rightness are possible, and the weakening of faith can contribute to falls. But even in this case Jesus gives us His hand and supports us.