One of the most fabulous and stunning accounts in the gospel of St Matthew is the story of Jesus walking upon the sea. The boat in which the disciples where in was “buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it” (Matt 14, 24). What a realistic depiction of our lives! Each and every one of us can say that in some way or another her/his life is in some way buffeted. The waves of our problems, different and conflicting characters and ways of seeing things, the attitude through which we cope with what we go through, can all be classified as the kinds of wave we have to contend with.

Yet, when the wind assiduously blows against us, and we tend to give up all hope that we might make it to the shore, there comes Jesus, in the midst of our mess who tells us “Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid” (Matt 14, 27). The phrase it is I which manifests who Jesus is, illustrates what God does. In saying it is I Jesus is declaring his divine identity. The Biblical tradition behind such aphorism is well noted. Isaiah 41, 4 says: “Who has done this and carried it through, calling forth the generations from the beginning? I, the Lord-with the first of them and with the last-I am he.” In chapter 43, 10 the same prophet prophesised: "You are my witnesses," declares the Lord, "and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me”.

In the book of Exodus 3, 14 the Lord revealed his name to Moses: “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: `I am has sent me to you.' " Whereas in the book of Deuteronomy 32, 9 we find: “See now that I myself am He! There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand”. All these quotations drive a simple and clear cut message home: the Lord God is the author and saviour of every single human story. He is in command. That is why it is so wise to trust Him. He is there, even when the waves seem to swallow us. He is there even when our friends desert us. No wonder why in Isaiah the phrase I am he is repeatedly coupled with the phrase fear not. God’s presence breeds human assurance!

Let us not forget this powerful reality. The Bible puts our hearts to rest of God’s unfailing love and rescue when it tells us in Psalm 107, 28. 30: “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress … They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven”. All it takes is to put our trust in Him, the Lord of glory. Whether we “have come into the deep waters; [and] the floods engulf” us (Psalm 69, 2) or whether “the waters have come up to [our] neck” (Psalm 69, 1) is not the issue. What is at stake is calling out to the Lord to come to our rescue! “Save me, O God” (Psalm 69,1); “Answer me, O Lord, out of the goodness of your love; in your great mercy turn to me” (Psalm 69, 16); “Reach down your hand from on high; deliver me and rescue me from the mighty waters” (Psalm 144, 7).

O Lord come to our aid. O Lord make haste to help us!

Fr Mario Attard OFM Cap

San Gwann