You will not drown (A morning meditation)

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Gospel: Mark 6:45-52

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.

The Gospel of the Lord.

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This is the first time that the disciples are without Jesus. And what happens?

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Disaster strikes!

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While they’re on a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee, a major storm approaches – one so large it causes these professional fishermen to fear they’re drowning.

Meanwhile, Jesus tries passing them by, walking calmly across the waves. What terrifies the disciples doesn’t seem to disturb Jesus at all.

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Was this a test?

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Perhaps.

Keep in mind, the disciples just watched Jesus feed five thousand people with only five loaves of bread and two fish. 

If he can perform a miracle like that, then why would they fear for their safety? Shouldn’t they trust him?

We’d casually say, “Of course.” And yet, “their hearts were hardened.” 

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Like the disciples, there are times in our lives when it feels like we’re drowning, overwhelmed by the waves of debt; grief; doubt; temptation; or COVID fatigue.

But if Jesus has led us this far in life, then why would he abandon us now?

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“Take courage,” the Lord says. “Do not be afraid. It is I.” 

Whenever life causes us to lose our balance – like fishermen staggering on a boat – we must trust that the Lord is nearby, walking on the water.

He will calm the storm.

But sometimes we must be patient, remembering we will not drown. 

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