Power struggles are nothing new. As the Israelites journey through the wilderness, there are some who resent the authority of Moses. Why do we have to listen to him? Doesn't God speak through us all? God certainly does, but the point here is that authority is not something snatched and grasped for oneself - it can only be given by God. Moses was the one chosen by God as His spokesman and no one else. We must always challenge injustice and misuse of authority and power but we must be sure that our own intentions are pure and free of egoism and self-seeking.

In the Gospel, as soon as the apostles get over their initial fear at the sudden appearance of Jesus, Peter asks Jesus if he can come to him across the surface of the water. You know that people are not supposed to be able to walk on water. But that is exactly what Peter does - and all is well - until he becomes frightened at the wind and waves. As long as he remained focused on the Lord, all was well and he could do the impossible. All of this came to an end as soon as fear and doubt entered his mind and heart. As long as we remain centred and focused on our spiritual ideals and on God we will be able to do things we never thought possible. But when we let fear and doubt possess us we should not be surprised at failure and struggle. The Lord calls and beckons to us - let us follow with faith and courage.