***
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.
***
***
This is the first time that the disciples are without Jesus. And what happens?
***
Disaster strikes!
***
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 waters. What terrifies the disciples doesn’t disturb him at all.
Was this a test?
***
Absolutely.
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 should they fear for their safety now?
Shouldn’t they trust that Jesus will protect them?
We’d casually say, “Of course.”
And yet, as the Gospel tells us, “their hearts were hardened.”
***
Just like the disciples, Jesus allows our faith to be tested.
But when we feel like we’re drowning, overwhelmed by the waves of doubt, debt, grief, or COVID fatigue, we must be patient and guard against the temptation of hardening our hearts.
Jesus is somewhere nearby, walking across the stormy waters, preparing to enter our boat.
Until the storm is calmed, we must be patient and cling to his words, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.”
***
***
Image credits: (1) The Storm on the Sea of Galilee, Rembrandt (2) Christ Walking on the Water, Cornerstone Art (3) Havenlight Yong Sung Kim – The Hand of God Painting, Amazon