The narrative has as its historical core the experience of danger which Jesus’ disciples lived through and the salvation which was provided by the presence of their Teacher Who appeared on the raging waves. The event took place immediately after the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, which was mentioned in the Gospel reading last Sunday. Apart from the actual experience of the disciples, however, the Gospel writers have preserved it because they saw in it a more profound significance for the Church. The crowds who were witnesses to the multiplication of the loaves were wildly enthusiastic about the Messianic event and believed that the great moment had arrived when their expectations would be met. Jesus was fully aware that ...
