After the feeding of the five thousand and the crowds are sent away, Jesus goes off to a lonely place to pray and the Apostles go into a boat to cross the Lake of Gennesaret. Storms were frequent on the lake which would cause enormous waves that could swamp the boat. Jesus has a hectic schedule and during the interlude between one demanding activity and another he enters into deep prayer as he communicates with his Father. Jesus always seeks time to recollect and be with his Father.
While Jesus prays the Apostles are struggling against a head-wind, by now far out on the Lake. It is the 4th watch of the night, which is between 3am and 6am. It has been an arduous and hard slog for them crossing the Lake. Jesus now comes towards them walking on the Lake. Their initial reaction is of terror as they believe it may be a ghost. Jesus reassures them “Courage it is I. Do not be afraid”.
This statement is Jesus identifying himself with divine authority and sovereignty. Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the first born of all creation, all things were created through him and for him, as St Paul tells us in the letter to the Colossians. St Peter is the first to speak “if it is you, tell me to come across the water.” and Jesus bids St Peter to come.
St Peter starts to walk but then with the force of the wind he is overcome with fear and begins to sink. In faith he does then cry out “Lord save me”. St Peter is reminded by Jesus that his faith is still weak and little. God allows us to wrestle sometimes with obstacles and difficulties so that we can be strengthened in the process. We have to take heart from this story that God does watch over us and awaits that call “Lord save me”. That prayer is a complete and utter reliance not on our own resources and resolves but on our faith in God.
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