Wednesday after Epiphany
In the ancient world, no natural force was more feared than the sea. Many cultures connected gods and other supernatural beings of chaos and might to the sea; while the Greco-Roman god Poseidon or Neptune was not the king of the gods as Zeus was, the god of the sea was always to be respected and feared. Ships rarely sailed out of view of land, and fewer fates were feared more than being tossed around in a storm at sea, or being wrecked and beyond all aid.
When in our Gospel today Jesus walks upon the waters of a raging sea, the terrified disciples are in awe not merely because of the feat itself, but what it says about the power of Jesus. Earlier in Mark’s Gospel there is an occasion when Jesus and His disciples are in the boat on the same sea, and a terrible squall is stirred up, causing all to fear for their lives. Jesus was asleep, and upon waking He chastises the disciples for their lack of faith and then rebukes the storm, after which the disciples say to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” Today, when they see Jesus walking upon the water, their question is answered: “He is the Lord.” What is overwhelming, uncontrollable chaos for us is a calm stroll for Him; not only do the winds and sea obey His Word, but He can tread upon them underfoot with no issue.
Then He says, “Take courage! It is I, do not be afraid!” Truly, if Jesus proves Himself the absolute master of the chaos of the sea, then He is the master of everything. If we allow Jesus to be with us, then truly we have absolutely nothing to fear.