The Walking on the Water

Today's Reflections

The Walking on the Water 

 graceandspace.org

Mk 6:45-52

⁴⁵[Jesus] made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. ⁴⁶And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray. ⁴⁷When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore. ⁴⁸Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. ⁴⁹But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. ⁵⁰They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” ⁵¹He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were [completely] astounded. ⁵²They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.

Reflection:

Do not be afraid! In the distress of the disciples, Jesus comes along. Instead of rejoicing at the sight of him, they are frightened, thinking it is a ghost. But in truth it is Jesus, who walks on the water to rescue them.

A line from an English poet says, “If winter comes, can spring be far behind?” We can also say, “If problems come, can Jesus be far away?” He will certainly be just around, maybe in a form that we do not easily recognize, or even in a form that frightens us. It needs faith to recognize him when he comes in a frightening form.

One night, Therese of Lisieux coughed heavily. She felt something come out of her mouth. When she looked at it, she recognized it was blood, a sign of serious illness. But instead of getting afraid, she rejoiced in the realization that Jesus her bridegroom was near.

When troubles come, hear the Lord speak,

“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”