Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint 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.
Keep on rowing
1. To the other side. Jesus doesn’t dwell on the applause and the attention received after having fed so many people. He makes the apostles cross to the other side, thus pointing out that our life as Christians is not about glamour but about service. Your life must be of service to others and not a search for applause; rather look for those who are in need. To cross to the other shore means leaving your comfort zone, leaving aside your own security and convenience, and daring to do something new, a challenge. Because every day is a challenge, your own life is a challenge.
2. Pray. Jesus shows us where He draws this strength from. The power of his life is based on prayer. Your prayer gives you the strength for your own life, the strength to face fear and challenges, the strength to face what’s new, and to overcome your weaknesses. Prayer is strength that instills life in you so that you can be strong when you must face difficulties in life.
3. Fears. The apostles are afraid, they feel they’re sinking. But Jesus shows them again that when He is there, everything changes. And Jesus says one of my favourite phrases, “Take courage! It is me. Don’t be afraid.” This is what God is saying to you today. Don’t be afraid to face obstacles, don’t be afraid of what God is proposing to you. With God you will reach your destiny, with his help you can find strength and continue. Trust him, He is with you.
Always remember that something good is on the way!
God bless you and be with you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
