Augustine of Hippo

Meanwhile the boat carrying the disciples—that is, the church—is rocking and shaking amid the storms of temptation, while the adverse wind rages on. That is to say, its enemy the devil strives to keep the wind from calming down. But greater is he who is persistent on our behalf, for amid the vicissitudes of our life he gives us confidence. He comes to us and strengthens us, so we are not jostled in the boat and tossed overboard. For although the boat is thrown into disorder, it is still a boat. …

Sermon 75.4 ↗

Jerome

Rightly had the Apostles departed from the Lord as unwilling, and slow to leave Him, lest they should suffer shipwreck whilst He was not with them. For it follows, Now when it was evening he was there alone; that is, in the mountain; but the boat was in the middle of the sea tossed with the waves; for the wind was contrary. While the Lord tarries in the top of the mountain, straightway a wind arises contrary to them, and stirs up the sea, and the disciples are in imminent peril of shipwreck, which continues till Jesus comes.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗

Thomas Aquinas

But the boat in the midst of the sea was tossed with the waves. By the boat is signified the Church; by the sea, the world: Ps. 103:25: this great sea which stretches wide its arms. And this Church, with Christ ascending, remained in the sea, and in the dangers of the sea of the world. For when some great power attacks the Church, then it is tossed by the waves. Ps. 87:8: and all your waves you have brought in upon me. But because Christ prays, it cannot be submerged, although it may be tossed and lifted up. Gen. …

Commentary on Matthew ↗