Matthew’s Gospel account of the actual event of Jesus walking on the water also serves as a situational narrative of the early Church community facing hardships and persecution. Scholars view Jesus’ conflict with the scribes and the Pharisees (see Mt 23) not only as happening during Jesus’ public ministry but also as reflection of the later conflict between the evangelist’s Christian community and the Jewish synagogue. The image of the disciples struggling to make headway in a boat battered by the sea is symbolic of the Church’s own journey. Like them, the Church struggles against forces that threaten to engulf it, keenly sensing the physical absence of its Lord. Jesus comes to allay the fear of the disciples: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid” (v 27). When Peter is invited to come to Jesus, he is able to walk on the water. But when he focuses on the storm, he begins to sink. Pope Francis remarks: “The Gospel challenges us to trust in Jesus amid our fears, to keep our focus on him, and to worship him as our Lord and Savior. As we face the storms of life, let us remember that Jesus is always near, ready to reach out and save us. Let us take heart and not be afraid, for he is with us, now and always” (10 August 2014).

Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening, he was there alone. Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was, he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed.