Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Faltering Steps

Brennan Manning is amazing:

When I get sprayed by the storms of life and find my faith has faltered, my courage has gone south, I often turn to Matthew 14:22-23. Jesus sees the disciples caught up in a squall. It is between three and six A.M. He comes walking toward them on the water. They are terrified. "Its a ghost," they cried out in fear. He says, "Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid."

Peter, nothing if not brash, decides to test the voice. "Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water." The tentative faith of that fearful "if" quickly deteriorates into sheer terror as Peter begins to walk to Jesus.

I find comfort in knowing that the rock on which Jesus would build his Church sank like a stone.