Our Lady's Lamp

Right after Jesus feeds the five thousand, Jesus sends the disciples away and takes time for himself. As often happens in life, especially life on the sea, the disciples soon found themselves caught up in a storm. But they were content to weather it out. They had faced storms before, they would face them again. But when they saw Jesus walking toward them out of this storm, they were terrified. They cried out in fear, despite having just seen miracles. He wasn't where He was supposed to be. People were safe in the boats.... not on the water! When Jesus calls out to them, assuring them He is not a ghost, Peter challenges Him saying, “If it's you, call me to walk on the water too.” And Jesus says, “Come.” Now, about then, I would be wondering if it really was Jesus calling me or some spirit wanting to drown me, but Peter doesn't hesitate. He steps out onto the stormy sea and walks on the water. He trusts that it is Jesus, and that Jesus can give him – bumbling...

Have you ever sat and just thought about the personalities of the apostles who walked with Jesus? It's kind of amusing, actually. Especially when you get to Peter. This is a man of passion! At times, a rather reckless one. And this is a man of extremes. Here's just a couple. Peter has the faith to say, "Tell me to come out onto the water," but as soon as he gets out there, he starts drowning. Peter says, "You are God!" and he argues with Jesus about what His mission looks like. He is terrified on the mountain top at the transfiguration, then protests when they have to leave. He protests Jesus washing His feet, then says, "Oh, well, then do all of me!" He says he will go to his death with Jesus and then denies Him three times in one night. He has to be told to pick up a sword, but he is the only one who swings it. Do you ever wonder if Jesus simply shook his head, chuckled a little, and said, "Oh, Peter..." when Peter did ...