Beauty and the Leap

Genesis 1:2 'I danced on the water' at creation. Christ danced on the water, and the love was complete, unalloyed.

Christ comes to Peter and the twelve, walking on the water. It is a miracle, sure, because it is beyond our understanding of nature (super-natural). But we can understand that it is dance. Magic. Art. Christ cannot act without producing art (directly touching His soul to those who reach out to Him).

I love Peter. After St. Joseph, it's Peter. Not because either of these saints would notice me... because they set a course that I recognize and am compelled to follow.

I somewhat understand Peter, because he is flawed. I am deeply flawed. So, in that respect, we are somewhat alike.

He impulsively acts...and then realizes what is happening and panics. 'Peter, do not take your eyes off me!' Our Lord says.

Peter jumps out of the boat and walks to Christ before thinking. He acts from his heart. Christ's art overwhelms Peter.

In John 21:17, Peter recognizes Christ on the shore, and leaps out of the boat to be with Christ. Peter is a fisherman. Peter knows about boats, and the sea. But momentarily forgets he is fully dressed and in a boat.

Consider that for a moment. Consider how compelling Christ in the flesh must have been (and will be again)! Peter leaps from the boat.

How many boats have I leaped out of? And after . . . I realize what I have done. Sometimes, I am able to keep my eyes ONLY on Christ. Sometimes, I just panic. It's easy to know whether your eyes are on Christ ... you are calm and not terrified.

Mostly, though, I struggle with being deeply flawed. Like Peter, but far, far deeper. The only thing that separated Peter from Judas (they both betrayed Our Lord): Peter repented. Peter kept his eyes fixed on Christ. Judas lost all hope and found a rope. From the Anima Christi: ne permittas me separari a te!

Joseph worked. Joseph trusted that work would drive Satan from his soul and from his home. Both fixed their eyes on Christ. Both acted with all their heart. I will never approach either saint. But they were flawed, and that alone gives me hope. Perhaps I with far greater flaws might one day be made perfect by Christ, as Our Heavenly Father is perfect. Not because I deserve it. Please, God, do not give me what I deserve. But give me peace with your plan, and strength to do the work You set before me. Open my soul so You can touch me through Bach, and chant, and all art and beauty.