MARY, OUR MOTHER

SCRIPTURE COMMENTARY #291

And having dismissed the multitude, he went into a mountain alone to pray. And when it was evening, he was there alone. But the boat in the midst of the sea was tossed with the waves: for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night, he came to them walking upon the sea. And they seeing him walking upon the sea, were troubled, saying: "It is an apparition." And they cried out for fear. And immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying: "Be of good heart: it is I, fear ye not." And Peter making answer, said: "Lord, if it be thou, bid me come to thee upon the waters." And he said: "Come." And Peter going down out of the boat walked upon the water to come to Jesus. But seeing the wind strong, he was afraid: and when he began to sink, he cried out, saying: "Lord, save me." And immediately Jesus stretching forth his hand took hold of him, and said to him: "O thou of little faith, why didst thou doubt?" And when they were come up into the boat, the wind ceased. And they that were in the boat came and adored him, saying: "Indeed thou art the Son of God." And having passed the water, they came into the country of Genesar. (Matt. 14:23-34)

THE DIVINITY OF OUR LORD: Our Lord wrought four miracles in the early dawn after the miracle of the loaves--miracles of a new kind, which on that account made a great impression on the apostles, and so quickened their faith, that they cries out: "Thou art the Son of God!"
1. Jesus Himself walked on the sea, stepping as easily and firmly over the seething waves as He would have done on dry land. He did not work this miracle for any one else, but by it He manifested Himself as a supernatural Being transcending the ordinary laws of nature. As He trod the dark abyss of water, He stood forth as the Lord of creation, being subject to the otherwise inexorable laws of nature (such as gravitation) only in so far as He pleased.
2. At our Lord's bidding St. Peter walked on the water, and was kept up by an invisible power.
3. When our Lord entered the ship, the storm was immediately quieted, and
4. the ship instantly arrived at its destination.

[From 'A Practical Commentary on Holy Scripture' by Bishop Knecht, D.D.]
(1899 Douay-Rheims Bible)