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.

Opening Prayer: As I quiet my heart, Lord, break open and explain these words of yours to me. I’m confused by them.

Encountering Christ:

1. God Is Active: In this account of Scripture, Jesus shows us that he is actively in control of our lives. He makes the disciples get into the boat, dismisses the crowd, takes leave of them, goes to the mountain alone, and then very mysteriously, means to pass them by walking on water. When we remember that God is not a passive puppeteer, but takes a loving, active interest in our life, we’re less inclined to fall into self-reliance–a sin of pride. We lean on him, and Our Lord is delighted. He loves to calm our fears. “At once” he will speak with us, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.”

2. Chewing On It: Why would Jesus see that his disciples are distressed and mean to pass them by? Would he do that to me? Msgr. Charles Pope, of the Archdiocese of Washington, wrote the best brief explanation of this phrase: Jesus intended to stop and to reveal himself, as he did in four other parts of the bible where “passing by” means God revealing himself. Jesus summons us to faith, Msgr. Pope says. I had to research this passage to understand what Jesus might have meant, and Msgr. Pope says, spiritually speaking, “more mileage is gained” when we take the time to really ponder (and sometimes google) Scripture passages that we don’t understand.

3. They Were Completely Astounded: What a relief to know that the disciples, who accompanied Jesus, saw his miracles, and loved him, were often astounded and confused by what they experienced and/or what Jesus said. In today’s culture, an unbeliever would disparage the concept of mystery. “If it can’t be explained, it’s not true,” they would claim. In our life of faith, however, “mystery” is a frequent answer to the question of suffering or to the existence of miracles. When we embrace mystery as a spiritual reality, Our Lord showers grace upon us, which increases our faith and enriches our hope beyond our imaginings.

Conversing with Christ: Lord, you are my God and my King. I understand very little about you except what you’ve revealed through the Scriptures and to my soul through prayer. Deepen my knowledge of you, Lord, and, as the man with the demon-possessed son said, “I do believe, help my unbelief” (Mark 9:24).

Resolution: Lord, today, by your grace, I will do some spiritual reading to deepen my understanding of Scripture.

For Further Reflection: Pray this traditional Act of Faith:

O my God, I firmly believe that you are one God in three Divine Persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit; I believe that your Divine Son became man, and died for our sins, and that He will come to judge the living and the dead. I believe these and all the truths the Holy Catholic Church teaches because you have revealed them, who can neither deceive nor be deceived.