The Walking on the Water

Today's Reflections  

                       

The Walking on the Water 

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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.

Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid! Psychologists tell us that the opposite of love is not hatred (for hatred is also an intense passion) but fear. Once fear grips us, it paralyzes us.

Jesus’ invitation today is not to be afraid. After praying and leaving the disciples on the boat, Jesus means to pass them by. But they see him and they think they are seeing a ghost. They are afraid. Jesus has to reveal himself to them: “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”

Like Moses who was disturbed by God’s revelation, “I am who am” (Ex 3:14), the disciples are torn between awe and unbelief! They have to decide how to deal with this Power that has decided to be in solidarity with them. And their fear vanishes away.

When God makes our hearts God’s home, we must also open our hearts so that the indwelling happens. Long before psychologists can articulate this, John already appropriately puts it, “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear” (First Reading).

List down your fears at this moment.

Invoke the Holy Spirit to make you open

to God’s loving presence.

Turn all your fears over to the Spirit,

and let love vanquish them.