Commentary on the Gospel of
Love That Impels
Was Peter foolish to have ventured into the waters, while Jesus was anyway coming towards the boat? Weren’t the other disciples more prudent, practical, and sensible? The only answers I can think of are what St. Paul spoke of the foolishness of the cross vs the wisdom of the world (cf. 1 Cor 1:18; 3:19) and the holy madness of the lover who is out there searching for the beloved in the Song of Songs. Despite all his shortcomings, there is no denying that Peter loved the Lord. And when love comes alive and the heart goes out to the Beloved, can the body hold back? Such an adventure sets Peter up for a unique experience with the Lord, an experience that was denied to the other disciples due to their “safety-first” approach. And Peter would jump out of the boat again, this time with no doubts or care for drowning, when the Risen Lord comes visiting (cf. Jn 21:7).
