After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray. When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore. Then 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. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.
REFLECTION
“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”
And yet they were afraid. Having been with Jesus all day, listened to His teaching, witnessed the feeding of the 5000, they were now doing what Jesus told them to do. They were on their way to the other side of the lake, by themselves in the boat.
The wind was suddenly over the lake, the water was getting rough and rowing was becoming harder and harder. They were not making much progress, and roughly about 3-6 am after fighting the storm, instead of the light of sunrise, darkness was thicker and encompassing them. Fear was now taking over.
Through the mist, they saw a "ghost" walking toward them on the turbulent waters. Fear, doubt and lack of faith were taking over. Once Jesus joined them in the boat, the wind died down and calmness took over.
I had been rowing alone through a hard to maneuver situation. I was lost, though there were many people around me. I lacked discernment, faith, but most important, trust in the Lord and how powerful prayers can be.
Why was I praying? It was all so hopeless. Yet looking back, I realize that He placed me just where I needed to be with enough grace and love to help me step over the threshold into a trusting relationship. My life so far had not asked of me to have trust in the Lord. Many a morning, at 3 am, I sat at Adoration, amidst the storm. In silence, confused, amazed and slow to understand why all was happening, I got to know Him, His words, "Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid."
When life feels dark and progress is slow, Jesus is not absent. He sees, He comes, and He speaks peace. Listen for His voice and welcome Him into your boat.
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