ACC ~ Matthew 14 v26 - 27

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).