Mass Readings and Meditations “The Word Among Us” Wednesday, 8 January 2014

Mass Readings and Meditations “The Word Among Us” Wednesday, 8 January 2014

Meditation: Mark 6: Jesus Walks on the Water

45 Immediately he made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. 46 After saying farewell to them, he went up on the mountain to pray.

47 When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. 48 When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. 49 But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; 50 for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” 51 Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, 52 for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.

Christmas Weekday

Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid! (Mark 6:50)

Even those who love entertaining know the relief of the door closing behind the last guest. You can finally begin to clean up, unwind, and get some sleep.

Jesus must have felt something like this after having miraculously fed more than five thousand people on a deserted hillside. He just had to get away and pray. So he sent his disciples ahead of him in a boat, dismissed the crowds, and headed for the hills to spend time alone with his Father.

As he was praying, he could see his disciples struggling against the wind, making little progress. Perhaps he saw in this image a metaphor for their understanding of his messiahship. They had witnessed so many of his miracles, but they still struggled to understand who he really was.

If only these disciples could learn to come to Jesus the way he had just gone to his Father! If only they could see him as their Redeemer! Perhaps these occasional glimpses into his glory would help them trust him more. He knew it would take a while, but Jesus was committed to them, so he didn’t mind. So he interrupted his prayer to give them a clearer vision. He came to them on the water, in the midst of the storm, and told them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid” (Mark 6:50).

We too can have a hard time seeing Jesus as our Messiah and grasping our need for him. Are there ways you seem to be rowing against the wind? Is something gnawing at the back of your mind? Bring it before him now. Perhaps in his wisdom he will wait, keeping his eyes on you for a more opportune moment. Or maybe he will reveal himself to you more deeply. He may even climb into your boat and still the wind. Whatever happens, try your best to trust in Jesus’ power and provision. Quiet your heart so that you can hear him tell you, “It is I, do not be afraid.” Surrender your concerns to Jesus. Let him meet your needs in the way he knows best.

“Lord Jesus, help me to find my courage in you, no matter my circumstances. Right now, I set aside fear and doubt. Lord, I trust you.” Amen!

1 John 4: 11 Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us.

13 By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Savior of the world. 15 God abides in those who confess that Jesus is the Son of God, and they abide in God. 16 So we have known and believe the love that God has for us.

God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. 17 Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love.

Psalm 72: 1 Give the king your justice, O God,

    and your righteousness to a king’s son.

2 May he judge your people with righteousness,

    and your poor with justice.

10 May the kings of Tarshish and of the isles

    render him tribute,

may the kings of Sheba and Seba

    bring gifts.

12 For he delivers the needy when they call,

    the poor and those who have no helper.

13 He has pity on the weak and the needy,

    and saves the lives of the needy.

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