Ninth Sunday after Pentecost, Octoechos Tone 8; Post-feast of the Transfiguration; Holy Martyr Euplus (304)
Dormition Fast.
Read
1 Corinthians 3:9-17; Matthew 14:22-34
As Peter walked across to the water to the Lord (at His command), he took his gaze off the Lord and focused rather on the wind, the waves (and presumably his own power, or lack thereof) and began to sink. His doubt lead to unbelief which leads to his sinking. The Lord saves him with a small word to help Peter remained focused on Him.
I love the fact that the place where most of us stand for the Divine Liturgy is called the nave. It’s the word from which “navy” is derived. It is the place where we look together to Jesus just like the disciples in the boat. Our world can be storm-tossed in a similar manner. We can feel afraid and unstable. And there He is—Jesus—His image on the iconostasis beckoning us to keep our eyes on Him. We are reminded to lay aside all earthly cares. Keep our eyes on Him and we can walk over that which is the source of fear and insecurity.
It is this story from the Gospels that has convinced me to keep an icon of our Lord (or one of His Saints) in every room of my home. When fear, insecurity, or doubt afflict me, I can, like Peter, quickly turn my eyes to our Lord and walk securely toward Him as He moves toward me. May we never falter!