Treatment for Anemic Christians
The basilisk is a light-bodied, web-footed reptile that can run across vast stretches of water on its hind legs (as long as it doesn't stop). For this reason, the creature is sometimes called the "Jesus Christ lizard."
Of course, it might make more sense to call it "Peter Lizard." You may recall that, at Jesus' invitation, clumsy Peter "stepped out in faith" from this fishing boat and walked on the Sea of Galilee. Like the lizard, Peter stayed on the surface only as long as he didn't stop - stop focusing on Jesus, that is. When he looked around at the churning waters, his faith wavered like the waves that surged at his feet. He stopped looking at this water-bourne Master and looked at the uncontrolled turbulence. Only at the point did he begin to sink, and called out to Jesus, in panic, to save him. Jesus lived up to his name - for Jesus means God Savior; he "reached out his hand and caught him" before Peter was completely submerged.
Jesus saw that it was time for a lesson, one to be taught in his typically incisive way - this time by a rebuke and a question: "You of little faith, why did you doubt?" (Mt 14:31). Peter's "little faith" was enough to make him venture forth on the water, but not enough to continue in the face of fear-bred doubt.
Like the water-skimming lizard, if we stop, we sink. Doubt stops the forward thrust of faith as a wall might stop a moving car. When facing problems, never stop facing the problem solver.
This excerpt is from the book One-Minute Meditations for Busy People, by John H. Hampsch, C.M.F., originally published by Servant Publications. It and other of Fr. Hampsch's books and audio/video recordings can be purchased from Claretian Teaching Ministry, 20610 Manhattan Pl, #120, Torrance, CA 90501-1863. Phone 1-310-782-6408 or www.Catholicbooks.net