As we complete this ninth week after Pentecost, the Church also has us remember the Fathers of the Six Ecumenical Councils (325-681 CE). These six Councils truly serve as the foundation of our Christian faith. I’ve decided, however, to reflect on the writings for the ninth weekend after Pentecost in this article and deal with the readings for the Fathers in the next Bulletin article Understanding our Ukrainian Greek-Catholic Faith. Why? Because I don’t want to pass up the chance to reflect on the story of Jesus walking on water and also on Paul’s words in his first letter to the Church in Corinth.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians that He tried to establish a foundation for their faith that was truly fashioned on the foundation that Jesus Christ laid. In the closing words of the passage that we hear today, Paul again shares with his readers a thought that is one of the hallmarks of his ministry: Are you not aware that you are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?

I am sure that Paul’s question comes as no surprise to any Christian or to any of my readers. The image of human beings as the temple of God’s Spirit is truly a powerful image that should cause all of us to stop and think about who we are in God’s creation. It is an image, if embraced, that can change how we think about human life and ourselves. Paul’s wonderful image is, for me at this time, the most important part of his message.

The story of Jesus walking on water is, for me, a very significant and powerful image since water is the ultimate symbol of life. Scientists tell us that up to 60% of the human adult body is water. In fact they tell us that the brain and heart are composed of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water. The skin contains 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79%, and even the bones are watery: 31%. So water is the ultimate symbol of life.

The fact that Jesus walked on water tells us, symbolically, that He is the true revelation about the meaning and purpose of life. He called Peter to embrace this understanding of life. At first Peter did and then he allowed the cares of life to cloud his vision.

Jesus is the revelation about life and how to live it. We must not allow the cares of life to distract us from this vision but, rather, embrace the WAY OF JESUS. Why? Because His way of living truly brings insight into the meaning and purpose of life and, once we comprehend life, we can truly find peace and happiness.