The apostles in the boat saw Jesus walking on the water in the middle of the dark night (Jn 6:19). They wanted to take Jesus into the boat, but it suddenly came aground on the shore (Jn 6:21). St. John, the author of this passage, had spent much of his life in a fishing boat. John adds that the boat suddenly landed on the shore, which apparently surprised the apostles. John is emphasizing that Jesus can speed things up.
Jesus triumphs over our fears and the storms in our lives. He tells the fearful apostles, and us: "It is I. Do not be afraid" (Jn 6:20). Another possible translation for "It is I" is "I AM," the divine name of God (Ex 3:14). Since I AM rules over everything, do not be afraid. Jesus is Lord of the storm (Mk 4:38ff).
The storm may look fierce. Nonetheless, are we looking at the storm or at Jesus? What storms are raging in your life at present? What storms are you encountering in your parish, home, neighborhood, job, etc?
Even if we are oppressed by governments, rulers (see Dn 3:13ff), public opinion or bosses, by fixing our eyes on Jesus and on heaven, the oppression can quickly come to an end, even immediately, "suddenly" (Jn 6:21). The key is to fix our eyes on Jesus (Heb 3:1). By keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus (Heb 12:2), time seems to pass differently (see Eccl 3:1, 11), even immediately.
Be still and know that He is God (Ps 46:11). Be still and let the Lord fight for you (Ex 14:14).
| PRAYER: | Jesus, I come to Your throne for timely help (Heb 4:16). |
| PROMISE: | "The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear Him, upon those who hope for His kindness, to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine." –Ps 33:18-19 |
| PRAISE: | Pope St. Martin I accepted the faith, the papacy, torture, imprisonment, and martyrdom. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College