It's a ghost!

Lately I've been stewing on the Gospel story where Jesus walks on the water (Matthew 14:22-33). Jesus sent the disciples ahead so that he could have some prayer time alone (not a bad practice of faith - prayer in solitude). Then Jesus evidently wanted to go be with the disciples, so he figured he'd just walk out to them on the water. I guess when his alone time was over, Jesus liked to be with his friends (also a good practice of faith). When the disciples saw Jesus coming, they were terrified, crying out "it's a ghost!" They didn't need to be scared, and Jesus spoke to calm their fears, "it is I; don't be afraid."

So here's the question I'm pondering: Is Jesus scary? Sometimes. Like when he walks on the water in the middle of a storm. In truth, we do not need to be afraid of Jesus. Jesus loves us; he even loves the little children. He is our friend and advocate. He is God come to be with us and live in solidarity with us.

But Jesus is scary sometimes. Jesus does some terrifying things, like break down walls that we are comfortable with or take us to places that we've never been. Jesus makes some scary demands on my life, like love my neighbor, or scarier yet, love my enemy. He even sends us to strangers to share the Gospel, a very frightening experience for many people. My recent move and new pastoral position have given me opportunity to be anxious and afraid. And I'm here because of Jesus and his call on my life. Following Jesus can be scary all right, but we don't need to be afraid. "Fear not, for I am with you."