ACC ~ Matthew 14 v22 - 36

OVERVIEW:

Jesus retreats to the mountain to teach us the benefit of solitude when we are praying (CHRYSOSTOM). His solitude, the boat and his dismissal of the crowds all have a symbolic meaning, anticipating his final return and glory (HILARY OF POITIERS). The miracle of walking on water was prophesied long before. It points to one who could walk on the water as well as on the ground, for he is truly human and yet God’s only begotten Son (CHROMATIUS). He did not come quickly to the disciples’ rescue. He was training them by their fears and instructing them to be ready to endure. Gently and by degrees he excites and urges the disciples on toward greater responsiveness (CHRYSOSTOM). The fourth watch of the night also has typological significance in relation to four phases of the history of revelation: the law, the prophets, the incarnation and the return of the Lord (HILARY OF POITIERS) or variously interpreted, Adam to Noah, Noah to Moses, Moses to the Savior, with the fourth watch marking the time when the Son of God was born in the flesh and suffered (CHROMATIUS). Through the feebleness of the flesh and the fear of death, even the boldness of Peter fails (CHRYSOSTOM). But he cries out and asks the Lord to save him, and that cry is the groan of his repentance (HILARY OF POITIERS).

14:22 | Jesus Sends Away the Disciples

THE PLAIN AND SPIRITUAL MEANING

HILARY OF POITIERS: The spiritual significance of this must be discerned, comparing the temporal order with the coming revelation. The historical event of his solitude in the evening anticipates a future event: his solitude at the time of the Passion, when everyone else had fled in fear.

He then orders his disciples to get into the boat and cross the sea while he dismisses the crowds. Once they are dismissed, he goes up on the mountain. This prefigures that he is on the sea and within the church. He orders that he be carried throughout the world until he returns in a dazzling second advent to all who are left from the house of Israel, when he will bring salvation and forgive sins.

Finally, in dismissing the crowds, the Lord is symbolically permitting them to enter into the kingdom of heaven. Then he proceeds to give thanks to God the Father, which anticipates his taking his place in glory and in majesty. ON MATTHEW 14.13. [1]

[1] SC 258:26.

14:23 | Jesus Dismisses the Crowd

INTO THE HILLS

CHRYSOSTOM: For what purpose does he go up into the hills on the mountain? To teach us that solitude and seclusion are good, when we are to pray to God. With this in view, you see, we find him continually withdrawing into the wilderness. There he often spends the whole night in prayer. This teaches us earnestly to seek such quietness in our prayers as the time and place may afford. For the wilderness is the mother of silence; it is a calm and a harbor, delivering us from all turmoils. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 50.1. [1]

[1] PG 58:503-4; NPNF 1 10:310.

14:24 | The Boat Beaten by Waves

MANY FURLONGS DISTANT FROM THE LAND

CHRYSOSTOM: The disciples are tossed on the waves again. They are in a storm, fully as bad as the previous one. Gently and by degrees he excites and urges the disciples on toward greater responsiveness, even to the point of bearing all things nobly. Whereas in the previous storm they had him with them in the ship, now they were alone by themselves. Even when he was asleep in the boat in the previous situation, he was ready to give them relief from danger. But then he was present to them.

Now he is leading them into a greater degree of challenge. Now he is not even present to them. He has departed. In midsea he permits a storm to arise. This was all for their training, that they might not look for some easy hope of preservation from any earthly source. He then allows them to be tossed by the storm all night! This had the purpose of awakening their stony hearts in a most complete way. This is how Jesus dealt with the nature of their fear, which the rough weather and the timing had produced. He cast them directly into a situation in which they would have a greater longing for him and a continual remembrance of him. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 50.1. [1]

[1] PG 58:504-5; NPNF 1 10:310.

THE WIND WAS AGAINST THEM

AUGUSTINE: Meanwhile the boat carrying the disciples—that is, the church—is rocking and shaking amid the storms of temptation, while the adverse wind rages on. That is to say, its enemy the devil strives to keep the wind from calming down. But greater is he who is persistent on our behalf, for amid the vicissitudes of our life he gives us confidence. He comes to us and strengthens us, so we are not jostled in the boat and tossed overboard. For although the boat is thrown into disorder, it is still a boat. It alone carries the disciples and receives Christ. It is in danger indeed on the water, but there would be certain death without it. Therefore stay inside the boat and call upon God. When all good advice fails and the rudder is useless and the spread of the sails presents more of a danger than an advantage, when all human help and strength have been abandoned, the only recourse left for the sailors is to cry out to God. Therefore will he who helps those who are sailing to reach port safely, abandon his church and prevent it from arriving in peace and tranquility? SERMON 75.4. [1]

[1] PL 38:475-76; NPNF 1 6:337-38 (Sermon 25).

14:25 | He Came to Them, Walking on the Sea

THE MIRACLE FORESEEN IN PROPHECY

CHROMATIUS: Who was able to walk on the sea if not the Creator of the universe? He, indeed, about whom the Holy Spirit had spoken long ago through blessed Job: “Who alone stretched out the heavens and walked on the sea as well as the earth.” [1] Solomon spoke about him in the person of Wisdom: “I dwelt in the highest places and my throne was in a pillar of cloud. I orbited the heavenly sphere alone and walked on the waves of the sea.” [2] David likewise declared in his psalm: “God, your way was through the sea, your path through the great waters.” [3] So too Habakkuk noted, “The raging waters swept on; the deep gave forth its voice.” [4]

What is more evident than this testimony, what is more clear? It points to him walking on the water as well as on the ground. This is God’s only begotten Son, who long ago according to the will of the Father stretched out the heavens and at the time of Moses in a pillar of cloud showed the people a way to follow. TRACTATE ON MATTHEW 52.2. [5]

[1] Job 9:8.

[2] Sir 24:4-5.

[3] Ps 77:19 (76:19 LXX).

[4] Hab 3:10.

[5] CCL 9a:454-55.

THE FOUR WATCHES OF THE HISTORY OF REVELATION

HILARY OF POITIERS: In the meantime, however, the disciples are harassed by wind and by sea. Amid all the disturbances of the world, in conflict with the unclean spirit, they are tossed about. But the Lord comes in the fourth watch. For the fourth time, then, he will return to a roving and shipwrecked church. In the fourth watch of the night, the measure of his concern is found to be just as great. The first watch was that of the law, the second of the prophets, the third of the Lord’s coming in the flesh and the fourth of his return in splendor. But he will find the church in distress and beleaguered by the spirit of the antichrist and by disturbances throughout the world. He will come to those who are restless and deeply troubled. And since, as we may expect from the antichrist, they will be exposed to temptations of every kind, even at the Lord’s coming they will be terrified by the false appearances of things and crawling phantasms with eyes. But the good Lord will then speak out and dispel their fear, saying, “It is I.” He will dispel the fear of impending shipwreck through their faith in his coming. ON MATTHEW 14.14. [1]

[1] SC 258:28.

THE SPIRITUAL MEANING OF THE FOURTH WATCH OF THE NIGHT

CHROMATIUS: Let us focus on the meaning of this fourth watch in which the Lord comes to his disciples who were caught in the storm. The first watch of the night—that is, of the present world—is understood to be from Adam to Noah, the second watch from Noah up until Moses, through whom the law was given. The third watch was from Moses up to the coming of the Lord and Savior. In these three watches the Lord, even before coming in the flesh, with the vigilance of the angels defends the encampments of his saints from the snares of the enemy—that is, the devil and his angels, who from the beginning of the world plotted against the salvation of the righteous. In the first watch, protection is given to Abel, Seth, Enos, Enoch, Methuselah and Noah. In the second watch, to Abraham, Melchizedech, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. In the third watch, to Moses, Aaron, Joshua the son of Nun and, after that, to the other righteous men and prophets. The fourth watch marks the time when the Son of God was born in the flesh and suffered, the time he promised his disciples and his church that he would be eternally watchful after his resurrection, saying, “I will be with you even to the consummation of the world.” [1] TRACTATE ON MATTHEW 52.5. [2]

[1] Mt 28:20.

[2] CCL 9a:457-58.

14:26-27 | Take Heart; Have No Fear

IT IS A GHOST! CHRYSOSTOM: “When the disciples,” it is said, “saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit! And they cried out for fear.” This is the way he constantly deals with our fears. He does not hesitate to bring on worse things, even more alarming than those before. [1] They were troubled here not only by the storm but also by the distance from the land. Note that he did not too easily remove the darkness. He did not come quickly to their rescue. He was training them, as I said, by the continuance of these fears and instructing them to be ready to endure. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 50.1. [2]

[1] This procedure resembles what behavior therapists call implosive therapy for desensitization of phobic responses.

[2] PG 58:505; NPNF 1 10:310.

BEARING ALL CHALLENGES

CHRYSOSTOM: Accordingly, neither did he present himself to them at once. For it is written that “in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.” He was instructing them not too hastily to seek for deliverance from their pressing dangers but to bear all challenges courageously. In any case, just when they looked to be delivered, their fear was again heightened. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 50.1. [1]

[1] PG 58:505; NPNF 1 10:310.

THEY SAW HIM WALKING ON THE WATER

AUGUSTINE: The fourth watch of the night marks the end of the night. One watch consists of three hours. This means that at the end of the world the Lord will come to the rescue, and he will be seen walking on the water. Although this ship is tossed by the storms of temptation, it sees the glorified Lord walking upon all the billows of the sea—that is, upon all the powers of this world. For through the voice of his Passion he gave an example of humility according to the flesh. Those waves of the sea to which he willingly submitted for our sake were stilled, in accordance with the prophecy: “I came to the height of the sea, and the storm swallowed me up.” [1] SERMON 75.7. [2]

[1] Ps 69:2 (68:2 LXX).

[2] PL 38:476-77; NPNF 1 6:338 (Sermon 25).

14:28 | Peter Asks to Walk to Jesus

PETER’S BOLDNESS

JEROME: Peter is found to be of ardent faith at all times. When the disciples are asked who people say that Jesus is, Peter declares him to be the Son of God. Though mistaken in wanting to follow Christ to his Passion, he is not mistaken in his affection. He does not desire the death of him who a short time before he declared to be the Son of God. Peter is among the first to go up the mountain with the Savior and is the only one to follow him in his Passion. With bitter tears he immediately washes away the sin of denial that sprang up from fear. After the Passion when they were fishing in Lake Gennesaret, the Lord was standing on the beach, while the others were slowly sailing in the boat. He hesitated not for a moment. He put on his overgarment and plunged into the sea. And now, with the same ardor of faith he always had, the other apostles gazing in awe, he believes that he can do by the will of the Master what the latter could do by nature. “Bid me come to you on the water.” Just say the word, and immediately the waves will become solid. The body which of itself is heavy will become light. COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 2.14.28. [1]

[1] CCL 77:125.

LORD, IF IT IS YOU, BID ME COME

AUGUSTINE: What is signified by the fact that Peter dared to come to him upon the water? Peter indeed has the principal role in the church. And what is the meaning of those other words: “Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water,” if not, Lord, if you are truthful and never lie at all, let your church be glorified also in this world, for prophecy declared this about you? Let it walk upon the water, and it shall come to you, to whom it was said, “The rich among the people shall entreat your favor.” [1] SERMON 75.10. [2]

[1] Ps 45:13 (44:13 LXX).

[2] PL 38:418; NPNF 1 6:339 (Sermon 25).

14:29 | Peter Walks on the Water

PETER GOT OUT OF THE BOAT

CHRYSOSTOM: Why then did Christ permit Peter to come? Suppose he had said, “No, you cannot come.” With his boldness Peter might have protested again. But when Peter saw the sea and wind, he became dizzy and was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.”

In relating this same situation, John remarks that “then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.” [1] This implies that when they were on the point of arriving at the land, he entered the ship. Peter then having come down from the ship went to Jesus, not rejoicing so much in walking on the water as in coming to him. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 50.2. [2]

[1] Jn 6:21.

[2] PG 58:506; NPNF 1 10:311.

14:30 | Peter Fears the Wind

FEAR OF THE LESSER DANGER

CHRYSOSTOM: The sea caused his dizziness, but the fear was caused by the wind. The sea was the greater threat, the wind the less. As Peter was struggling with the sea, he was on the point of suffering more anxiety from the violence of the wind. Such is human nature that we so often feel exposed to the lesser danger but experience it as the greater. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 50.2. [1]

[1] PG 58:506; NPNF 1 10:311.

PETER BEGAN TO SINK

HILARY OF POITIERS: The fact that out of all those in the boat, only Peter speaks up and asks that he be ordered to come to the Lord on the water demonstrates the force of his will at the time of the Passion. Then coming back alone and following the Lord’s footsteps, with contempt for the turmoil of the world as of the sea, Peter is attended by strength equal to disdaining death itself. His timidity, however, gives an inkling of his weakness in the face of future temptation. For though he ventured forth, he began to sink. Through the feebleness of the flesh and the fear of death, he is brought to the point of denial. But he cries out and asks the Lord to save him. That cry is the groan of his repentance. Though the Lord did not yet suffer, Peter has recourse to confession and in due course receives forgiveness for his denial. Christ was then about to suffer for the redemption of all people. ON MATTHEW 14.15. [1]

[1] SC 258:28-30.

14:31 | Jesus Rescues Peter

JESUS REACHED OUT HIS HAND

AUGUSTINE: While human praise does not tempt the Lord, people are often ruffled and nearly entranced by human praise and honors in the church. Peter was afraid on the sea, terrified by the great force of the storm. Indeed, who does not fear that voice: “Those who say you are happy place you in error and disturb the path of your feet”? [1] And since the soul struggles against the desire for human praise, it is good for it to turn to prayer and petition amid such danger, lest one who is charmed by praise be overcome by criticism and reproach. Let Peter, about to sink in the waves, cry out and say, “Lord, save me!” The Lord reached out his hand. He chided Peter, saying, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?”—that is, why did you not, gazing straight at the Lord as you approached, pride yourself only in him? Nevertheless he snatched Peter from the waves and did not allow him who was declaring his weakness and asking the Lord for help to perish. SERMON 75.10. [2]

[1] Is 3:12, Vulgate.

[2] PL 38:478-79; NPNF 1 6:339 (Sermon 25).

14:32 | The Wind Ceased

PEACE RESTORED

HILARY OF POITIERS: Once he got into the vessel, the wind and the sea calmed down. After the return of eternal splendor, peace and tranquility are in store for the church. And with his arrival made manifest, with great wonder they will all exclaim, “Truly you are the Son of God.” All people will then declare absolutely and publicly that the Son of God has restored peace to the church, not in physical lowliness but in heavenly glory. ON MATTHEW 4.18. [1]

[1] SC 258:32.

14:33 | Worshiping the Son of God

THEY WORSHIPED HIM

CHROMATIUS: In the face of the storm the Lord got into the boat and the wind ceased. Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him. This signifies that Our Lord and Savior, once the storm of persecution had passed, would come again in the last days to his disciples and his church. For this he made holy Peter the first of the apostles and commended his sheep to him, saying, “Feed my sheep.” [1] When the apostles in the church of believers, positioned in the vessel as it were, beheld the glory of the Lord’s resurrection, adoring our Lord and Savior, they declared to the human race that he was truly the Son of God. TRACTATE ON MATTHEW 52.8. [2]

[1] Jn 21:17.

[2] CCL 9a:459.

THE SON OF GOD

CHRYSOSTOM: Do you see how by degrees Jesus was leading them all higher and higher? For by his walking on the sea, and by his commanding another to do so and by preserving Peter in jeopardy, their faith was henceforth great. On that occasion he rebuked the sea. But now he is not rebuking the sea, but in another sense his power is still being abundantly demonstrated. For this reason the believers worship him and say, “Truly you are the Son of God.” Did Jesus refuse to accept this confession? No, on the contrary, he rather confirmed what they said and with even greater authority healed such as approached him. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 50.2. [1]

[1] PG 58:506-7; NPNF 1 10:312.

14:34-35 | Bringing the Sick

THEY BROUGHT HIM ALL WHO WERE SICK

CHRYSOSTOM: For neither did they approach him as before, dragging him into their houses and seeking a touch from his hand and directions from him in words. But now in a far higher pattern, and with greater self-denial and with a more abundant faith, they tried to win themselves a cure. By now the woman who had the issue of blood [1] had taught them all to be constrained in seeking wisdom. And the Evangelist, also implying that at long intervals Jesus visited the various neighborhoods, said, “When the men of that place recognized him, they sent round to all that region and brought to him all that were sick.” Far from abolishing their faith, this interval of miracles had made it even greater and preserved it vigorously. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 50.2. [2]

[1] The reference to the hemorrhaging woman (Mt 9:20) was suggested by the detail of the touching of Jesus’ robes, common to both episodes.

[2] PG 58:507; NPNF 1 10:312.

14:36 | Touching His Garment

THE FRINGE OF HIS GARMENT

HILARY OF POITIERS: Many things came in the way that, after the gathering of five thousand men who were filled to satiety, dampened our effort to give a proper account. Our understanding on this point, however, remains the same. The time of the law was over, and five thousand men were brought into the church from Israel. [1] The believing people now hastened from the law, saved through their faith. They offered to God the remaining persons among them who were feeble and ill. These offered persons wanted to touch the hem of his garment to be made whole through faith. As from the hem of the entire garment, the whole power of the Holy Spirit came forth from our Lord Jesus Christ. This power was given to the apostles, who were also going out as it were from the same body, and it afforded healing to those who wished to touch the garment. ON MATTHEW 14.19. [2]

[1] Acts 4:4.

[2] SC 258:32.