In June 2018, twelve boys and their coach found themselves trapped in a cave in northern Thailand. The flood waters were rising, and the water-filled tunnels of the cave were narrow and pitch dark.

Adding to the complexity of their rescue, the children and their coach could not swim. Australian anaesthetist and cave diver Richard Harris and his colleague Craig Challen were willing to take a leap of faith. They would anaesthetise them all to prevent panicking or drowning. This innovative strategy was crucial in the eventual success of the international rescue operation.

Likewise, the disciples’ panic at the rising storm buffeting their boat must have been compounded by Jesus’s sudden appearance as he walked across the water. Jesus’s loving reassurance that he was not a ghost  – “It is I, do not be afraid” – would have quelled their fears.

Peter’s response may resonate with many of us: “Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you on the water.” We trust in the Lord; yet need reassurance. Jesus’s response fills Peter with peace and courage. He says simply to Peter, “Come.”

Peter gets out of the boat and, quite miraculously, finds himself walking on the water towards Jesus. But, looking at the wind and the waves around him though, starts to sink. He cries out to the Lord and immediately Jesus reaches out and rescues him. In that moment, Peter’s relief at Jesus’ timely rescue must surely have been accompanied by the overwhelming realisation that Jesus’ loving, tender presence would never have let him drown. Peter realises that he is deeply and tenderly loved, in spite of all his inadequacies.   

Some years after the cave rescue, Richard Harris said in an interview that while growing up, he had a sense of struggling to find where he felt he belonged. Leaning into his sense of vulnerability, he discovered the camaraderie of companions who shared his passion for the outdoors. Their adventures in cave-diving helped them discover a newfound courage as they went beyond the limits imposed by their anxieties.

As Bishop Robert Prevost in Peru, Pope Leo exemplified a deep spirit of accompaniment with those in need. When covid-19 hit Peru, oxygen shortages and economic collapse led to widespread deaths. He organised for oxygen supplies to be distributed. Despite the exhausting logistics of this operation, he persisted in working in solidarity with everyone involved. Sometime after the covid pandemic, during the floods in the region, he was present with those struggling as he stood knee-deep in flood waters, assisting in relief operations.

Even at our most vulnerable moments, Jesus invites us to be courageous and audacious in trusting his steadfastness and his unfailing embrace of our frailties.  Let us lean into the accompaniment of those who walk with us. Jesus looks steadfastly at us across the wind and water, and says, “Come”.

Sophie Clements

© Majellan Media 2026

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