It is I, do not be afraid! - Jn 6:16-21
Why do the disciples fear Jesus when they see Him? For the Jews, the lake was a place inhabited by demons. In such a place, according to their predictions, someone good could not appear, because he would be immediately absorbed by evil spirits. The sight of Jesus walking on the water is a complete novelty that the disciples cannot at first accept: There is someone (I Am) whose power is power even over evil spirits. That is why he walks on the water. He does not drown in it. Contrary to us, who so often surrender to evil.
It is I, do not be afraid! are the key words from today's passage. Jesus comes into our lives as the Prince of Peace and brings peace to our lives. Let us look at the scene the evangelist is drawing for us. Darkness, the turmoil of the lake, the disciples' struggle with opposing waves, and Jesus’ walking on the waves. When he approaches, not only is there a calming down, but immediately brings you to the other shore.
This passage can perfectly illustrate our life. Many of us experienced in the spiritual realm what the disciples on the boat had. When the world overwhelms us, you can completely succumb to this pressure and carry such a storm within you. Do you know it? Are you experiencing this? You are not alone and I am no stranger to experiences of darkness, stormy lake, strong wind in everyday life. But in all this, in these situations Jesus comes, breaking the peace. He comes on the lake of our life
Jesus’ walking on the waves shows that there is something else, something beyond what is only natural. There is peace and security in this dimension. This security is He, the Son of God.
Therefore, in difficult times, let Him come to you on the turbulent waves of your life. Let peace come to your heart with his coming.
Do you believe that Jesus is not afraid of the evil you have committed so far? That he does not look at you through the prism of the sins you have committed? That is why today he comes to you as he came to the disciples then. He wants to help you get to the other shore, that is, he wants to help you live your life with Him: in friendship, in reconciliation, based on Him. He looks at you with love, hope and trust! He sees a huge amount of good in you, and he wants you to see it for yourself, both in yourself and in the other.
Until Tomorrow
fr. george