The Hand That SteadiesReflection on Matthew 14:22\u201333<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The image of Peter stepping from the boat has captivated Christians for centuries. We often imagine ourselves as Peter, summoned to leave behind certainty for the unknown. We admire his courage, lament his doubt, and find comfort in the hand of Christ that reaches out before the waves can claim him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yet perhaps there is another way to enter this Gospel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not everyone is called to step onto the water. Some are called to remain beside those who do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This week we celebrate the feast of Mary MacKillop. I love the story of her younger sister, Annie, who rarely occupies centre stage in the story of Australia’s first saint. History remembers Mary’s courage, her travels, her conflicts with bishops, her excommunication and eventual vindication. Less often remembered is Annie, whose quiet faithfulness became one of the hidden foundations upon which Mary’s mission rested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When Mary’s health repeatedly failed, Annie cared for her. When the work became overwhelming, Annie remained. When misunderstanding and criticism surrounded the Sisters of St Joseph, Annie’s loyalty never wavered. She was not seeking recognition or influence. She simply continued to accompany her sister with a constancy that reflected the very heart of the Gospel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Matthew’s Gospel reminds us that faith is rarely a solitary endeavour. Peter steps onto the water, but the other disciples remain in the boat, witnessing, praying, hoping. And when Peter begins to sink, Jesus reaches for him immediately. God’s saving work is always relational.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perhaps Annie embodied that same reaching hand throughout Mary’s life. She offered something quiet and perhaps just as necessary, an unwavering presence. She steadied Mary’s humanity so that Mary’s vocation could flourish. Her witness reminds us that accompaniment is not passive. It is an act of courageous love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Church rightly honours those who take bold steps into the unknown. Yet the Kingdom is also built by those who faithfully walk beside them, those who listen, encourage, care for the weary, pray through disappointment, celebrate small joys, and remain when the storms refuse to cease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many of us will not be remembered as pioneers. Most of us are called to become companions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In every school, parish, family and community there are Peters who need courage to step from the boat. There are also Annies, whose steadfast presence quietly whispers, “Keep your eyes on Christ. I am with you.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perhaps that is one of the deepest invitations of this Gospel. Sometimes discipleship means stepping onto the water. Sometimes it means becoming the faithful companion who helps another keep walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Both are sustained by the same outstretched hand of Christ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Virginia Fortunat<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Hand That SteadiesReflection on Matthew 14:22\u201333 The image of Peter stepping from the boat has captivated Christians for centuries. We often imagine ourselves as Peter, summoned to leave behind certainty for the unknown. We admire his courage, lament his doubt, and find comfort in the hand of Christ that reaches out before the waves […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":29055,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[17],"tags":[38,45,26,44,24,55,8,32,50,41,25,51,34,54,47,31,42,39,48,46,52,40,37,35,28,43,53,36,27,33,29],"class_list":["post-29054","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-newsletter","tag-ancient-wisdom","tag-contemplative-prayer","tag-enlightenment","tag-guided-meditation","tag-inner-peace","tag-introspection","tag-lectio-divina","tag-lectio-divina-for-beginners","tag-life-transformation","tag-meditation-guide","tag-meditation-mastery","tag-meditation-tips","tag-mindfulness","tag-mindfulness-meditation","tag-mindfulness-practices","tag-mindfulness-techniques","tag-personal-development","tag-reflect-and-transform","tag-reflective-living","tag-sacred-reading","tag-self-discovery","tag-self-help","tag-soulful-journey","tag-soulful-living","tag-spiritual-awakening","tag-spiritual-growth","tag-spiritual-guide","tag-spiritual-insights","tag-spiritual-practice","tag-spiritual-reflection","tag-transformative-journey"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t