Diving head first to meet the Lord

A Reflection for Friday in the Octave of Easter

Find today’s readings here.

I like to swim. But no matter how tempting the water may look or how warm the weather may be, it always takes me a while to get in the water. 

When people see me circling the pool or wading step-by-step into the waves, they tell me it’s better to just jump right in. The sooner I get my head wet, the quicker I will be able to relax and enjoy my time in the water. I know they’re right. 

But still I hesitate. 

Sometimes my hesitation just means a slightly more leisurely pace to my summer swim—a few more minutes in the sun before the water provides a cool relief. But sometimes I wait so long that I never do get all the way in. The moment passes, and my desire wanes, and I move on to something else. An opportunity to do something I deeply enjoy is lost. 

I often feel as though I behave the same way in my spiritual life. Sometimes I find myself with an opportunity to be of service, to spread the good news, to stand in solidarity. I am asked to exercise generosity and mercy. In those moments, I feel my heart being stirred and I think: This is the Lord. 

I hear God calling me to action. But still I hesitate—often too long. Many times I have recognized the pull of my heart only to watch those moments and their potential for grace pass me by. 

That is not what Simon Peter does in today’s Gospel. Jesus reveals himself. Simon Peter hears him and recognizes that it is the Lord before him. He does not hesitate. He jumps right into the sea, anxious to see his friend; anxious to see his God. 

There is a time and place for thoughtful consideration and patient decision-making. But the moments when our hearts are called to act and we know that it is the Lord doing the calling—those are times when we need to dive head first into the water. May we all have the resolve to do so. 

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