Saturday of the Second Week of Easter
“It is I. Do not be afraid.”
The scene presented in the Gospel today is deeply beautiful and mysterious. The disciples are in a boat in the dark in the middle of a rough waters that have been “stirred up by a strong wind.” It does not take much to imagine how vulnerable they likely felt in their little boat being tossed about on the waves.
Perhaps we can relate to the experience of the apostles on the boat. It’s so easy to see very real dangers and difficulties as seemingly insurmountable obstacles. And then Jesus comes to us walking across the water. He shows us time and again that nothing is impossible for Him. He heals the sick, commands the demons, feeds the hungry, controls the elements, and demonstrates that He is the Lord and Master of all things. It should comfort us tremendously to sit and think about the fact that there is literally nothing that He cannot do. There are no insurmountable obstacles with Jesus.
It is easy to feel vulnerable out on the seas of life. It can feel like we are powerless as the tiny boats of our lives are seemingly tossed about in the rough patches we encounter. It is especially important during these moments to remember the words of the Lord: “It is I. Do not be afraid.” With Jesus, there is nothing to be afraid of. He will always guide, protect, enlighten, and provide for us in all things if we remain close to Him.