A Poem a Sunday

Pentecost 10 – A

August 13, 2017

Matthew 14:22-33 - NRSV

Jesus Walks on the Water

22 Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, 24 but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land,[a] for the wind was against them. 25 And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. 26 But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

28 Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he noticed the strong wind,[b] he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. 33 And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

Footnotes:

Matthew 14:24 Other ancient authorities read was out on the sea

Matthew 14:30 Other ancient authorities read the wind

A Poem a Sunday

Pentecost 10 - A

Night Passage

Hear the drumbeat of the waves

echoing through the mountain caves

as the mystic poet prays

upon the precipice

near the edge that overlooks

the vast sea winding through the nooks

and crannies of the dark.

A small boat embarks.

Dear motley crew of fishermen

brave the sea at night again.

Haunted, lost seeking a Savior

through fog and mist – divine behavior.

Fear grips the crew as they now spy

a ghostly figure in twilight’s sky.

Unhinged in awe they stare in wonder

through lightning flash and mountain thunder.

Cheer-ful they recognize the Master.

Now they can avoid disaster.

Amidst the dark, the threatening waves,

the Rabbi speaks and now will save.

Rear in the skiff below the sail

Peter speaks and will prevail

to walk the waters, dare the deep.

Is this a vision?  Are they asleep?

Near the dear crew a voice is heard:

“Be not afraid.  It is I, the Word.”

Peter steps into the dank sea.

Fear sinks him, a body falling free.

Clear in sight he sees the Master

and is saved from this disaster.

“O little of faith, why do you doubt?”

The divine promise bails him out.

Dear followers the wind will cease.

Embark in faith with God’s peace

for the Spirit leads over rough seas.

Baptized anew we’re free to be.

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