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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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Have you ever wondered what Jesus was praying about while the disciples were being tossed about at sea in the middle of the night?
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Perhaps that their faith wouldn’t fail.
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This was clearly a test.
It’s the first time the disciples are without Jesus since his public ministry began. Previously, every moment with him was a consolation; their spirits were filled with awe and wonder.
They witnessed him cast out demons, heal Peter’s mother-in-law, cleanse a leper, multiply five loaves and two fish, forgive people’s sins, and preach to thousands.
All of a sudden, the disciples are alone, stuck in a storm so strong they fear they’re drowning! When Jesus does show up, they mistake him for a ghost intending to pass them by, causing the sea to resemble a watery cemetery.
I’m sure the disciples were on the brink of despair. Their previous cries for help seemingly went unheard. Once they reach their wits end, Jesus appears, gets into their boat and calms the storm.
But instead of feeling relived, “their hearts were hardened.”
Soaked and scared, Peter and the others must’ve had an unhealthy thought or two about their wonder-worker companion who almost let them drown.
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So, what was it that Jesus wanted the disciples to learn?
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In spite of darkness, hardship, or even flat our terror, the Lord will never abandon them or us.
In the words of the prophet Isaiah: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; through rivers, you shall not be swept away. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, nor will flames consume you. For I, the LORD, am your God.”
At times, the flood waters may reach high – we may be up to our neck in stress or trial – but the Lord is interceding for us, that we may stay calm and trust. Eventually, every storm will be stilled, and every tear shall be dried.
Until then, be at peace, trusting in Christ’s words: “Do not be afraid. I have overcome the world.”
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Image credits: (1) Jesus Walking on Water, Julius Sergius von Klever (2) The Storm at Sea, Rembrandt (3) Sea Tow