Reflection for Wednesday, January 6

In today’s gospel, Mark begins and ends his account of Jesus walking on the water with references to feeding five thousand people with loaves and fish. One might think all had not gone well since immediately after, Jesus “made” the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of him across the sea. Jesus stayed to finish up.

This day was not playing out well for the disciples. Earlier they had been told to feed five thousand people with a few loaves and fish. Then clean up afterward. Now they are made to row across the sea to Bethsaida where they must wait for Jesus. By nightfall they are only halfway across. They are still far from shore when the wind begins to whip the water tossing their small boat about on the waves. They are now in serious trouble. One can imagine tempers flaring, fueled by fear and frustration.  Exhaustion makes an impossible situation worse. All looks hopeless.

Then, Jesus walks by!!

A new fear grasps them! Who or what is that? Their screams and cries are enough for Jesus to stop. ‘Don’t worry. I’m here.’ But now they must struggle to get another person in the boat without capsizing. They do it and when they get him in everything changes. Immediately the wind is calmed. Certainly, they are calmed. They are safe. But do they understand? What a day!

Marks closes by telling us, “By this time they are completely astounded. You see, they had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.”

We have lots of bad days (maybe with a little less drama.) We often cannot understand what is happening and why. However, understanding is not the most important thing. Realizing that with the peace and calm that Jesus brings, we can get through anything. Letting Jesus in, we can be safe and at peace.

Sister Pat McKeon, R.S.M.