Exegetical note: Matthew's reworking of Mark's earlier story shows embellishment of detail and a special "spin" that makes it an allegory of the Church (i.e., boat) in his day, which was being "beaten" by the "stormy seas" of persecution. The story is both a testimony to the power of faith to permit believers to "tread upon the waters" of threatening, fearsome circumstances, and (if faith falters) a reassuring promise of Jesus' "rescuing" hand.

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