A reading from the gospel according to Mark 6:45-52

45 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.
46 And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray.
47 When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore.
48 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.
49 But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out.
50 They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”
51 He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astounded.
52 They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.

Points for Reflection:
1. The gospel reading tells us that Jesus went off to the mountain to pray. He is showing us the importance of being alone with our Creator through prayer. Our Lord Jesus knew that He is the Son of God yet He never failed to communicate with His Father after the success of His works. Let us pray not just to ask God for our needs and wants but also to give Him thanks for what He had already done for us.

2. Jesus could have walked on the water before the storm but He chose to walk while there was storm. The water was roiling, moving fast up and down so the situation was really dangerous. But there He was, walking upon the waves. This means that He is really God. Power was not just with Him. He is THE POWER. By walking on the water, He demonstrated to His disciples His being God and that He is on top of the situation.

3. Still, the disciples were terrified. Even after they witness the miracle of the multiplication of the bread and fish, they were still lacking in faith. For some people, faith in Jesus does not develop instantly. They may have to continually encounter Him in their life before they develop a relationship with Him. There is no need to rush. Patience and understanding are needed for these people.

4. In the midst of the storms that come our way, Jesus never fails to appear to reassure us of His presence and help. As the Psalmist says:
“You rule the raging of the sea; When its waves rise, You still them. (Psalm 89:10)
And
“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

*****

The Gospel reading above is a vivid reminder of God’s presence and power even in life’s most turbulent moments. After the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, Jesus sent His disciples ahead in a boat while He stayed behind to pray. As night fell, the disciples found themselves struggling against a fierce wind on the Sea of Galilee. Their strength was failing, and fear gripped their hearts. Then, in the darkest hours, Jesus came to them, walking on water, and calmed their storm with a simple word.

This passage provides three powerful lessons for our journey of faith.
1. Trust God’s Timing
When Jesus sent the disciples into the boat, He knew they would encounter the storm. Yet, He didn’t prevent it. Often, we find ourselves in similar situations—facing challenges despite following God’s direction. It can feel as though God is distant, watching from afar as we struggle. But just as Jesus was praying and keeping an eye on His disciples from the mountainside, He is always aware of our struggles.

Notice when Jesus came to them: during the fourth watch of the night, the darkest hours before dawn. This timing wasn’t random. It teaches us that God’s help often arrives not on our schedule but at the moment we need it most. His timing isn’t about convenience but transformation. It’s in these moments of desperation that our faith is refined and strengthened.

2. Recognize God’s Presence in the Storm
When Jesus approached the disciples, they didn’t recognize Him. Instead, they thought He was a ghost, and their fear intensified. How often do we fail to recognize God’s presence in our struggles? The storms of life, be they health issues, financial crises, or relational conflicts—can obscure our vision of God’s nearness.

Jesus’ words to the disciples were simple but profound: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” He reminded them that He was not just a distant Savior but the “I AM,” the God who walks with us. Recognizing His presence shifts our perspective. The storm may not immediately cease, but His presence brings peace that transcends understanding (Philippians 4:7).

3. Trust God’s Power to Calm the Storm
When Jesus climbed into the boat, the wind died down, and the sea became calm. His authority over nature is a reminder that no situation is beyond His control. The disciples were amazed, but their hearts were still hardened because they hadn’t fully grasped the magnitude of who Jesus was.

This detail is crucial. Sometimes, even after witnessing God’s power in our lives, we struggle with doubt or fear. We forget His past faithfulness when a new storm arises. Yet, this story encourages us to keep trusting. Jesus’ power is not dependent on the size of our faith but on the greatness of His love and authority.

Application for Today
1. Life’s storms are inevitable. But as believers, we can navigate them with confidence because we have a Savior who sees us, comes to us, and calms our fears. Here are practical ways to apply this truth:
2. Pray Continually: Like Jesus retreated to pray, make prayer your anchor during calm and stormy seasons. It prepares your heart to trust God in all circumstances.
3. Fix Your Eyes on Jesus: When fear arises, shift your focus from the waves to the One who walks above them. Meditate on His promises and character.
4. Share Your Testimony: When God brings you through a storm, share it with others. Your story can be a beacon of hope for those still struggling.

The account of Jesus walking on water reminds us that we are never alone in our storms. God’s timing is perfect, His presence is constant, and His power is unmatched. When life feels overwhelming, take heart and hear His voice: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

May we trust the One who calms the seas and find peace knowing that He is always in the boat with us.