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It was dark when the disciples went into the ship. They had rowed about twenty or thirty furlongs in the direction of Capharnaum, and it was now almost the fourth watch of the night, when suddenly a storm^[1] arose, and the sea swelled, and the ship was tossed with the waves. But, behold, Jesus came to them walking upon the sea; and drawing near the ship, He was going to pass them by; they knew Him not^[2]. They were troubled, and cried out, and thought it was an apparition. Immediately Jesus spoke to them: “Have a good heart; it is I, fear not.” Then they were all astonished^[3].

But Peter said: “Lord, if it be Thou, bid me come^[4] to Thee upon the waters.” Jesus said: “Come.” Peter left the ship, and walked upon the water, but, seeing the high waves, he feared^[5], and began to sink. He cried out: “Lord, save me.” Jesus stretched forth his hand, took hold of him and said: “O thou of little faith ^[6], why didst thou doubt?” They returned to the ship, and the wind ceased. Then those that were in the ship cried out: “Thou art truly the Son of God.”^[7] Presently the ship was at the place to

1. A storm. According to St. John (6, 18), “the sea arose by reason of a great wind that blew”. In spite of all their efforts, the apostles could not advance, and their ship was driven about at the mercy of the winds and waves. How ardently they must have longed for Jesus’ presence, when they found themselves in such danger.
2. Knew Him not. They were unable to recognise Him on account of the darkness.
3. All astonished. They knew Him by His voice. What a joyful surprise!
4. Bid me come. Peter could not wait until our Lord came up to them. Full of a mighty love for Him and belief in His power, he cried out: “Lord, bid me come to Thee.”
5. He feared. Peter was full of courage and determination at first. But when he felt the violence of the wind, and heard the sea roaring under his feet, his courage failed, his faith wavered, and he began to sink. But he knew that Jesus was near, and, trusting in Him, he cried out: “Lord, save me!”
6. Of little faith. If you had had a great and firm faith and had not doubted, you would not have sunk.
7. The Son of God. Overwhelmed by the wonders which they had witnessed during the last twelve hours, they fell at the feet of Jesus and loudly confessed their faith in His Divinity.