Prayer:
O Jesus, come to me when the waves threaten my boat.
Imagination:
Picture the disciples in the boat, seeing Jesus on the water.
Context:
These early stories of Mark’s gospel reveal to the disciples who Jesus is. However, even as they see the miracles, they do not understand. For some reason, their minds are closed.
Gospel Text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud.)
Jesus told his disciples to get into the boat while he dismissed the crowds. Then he went up the mountain to pray. When it was late, the ship was in the middle of the sea and he was alone on the land. He saw them being tossed about while they were rowing, (for the wind was against them). About the fourth watch of the night, he came to them walking on the sea. He was going to pass them by. When they saw him walking on the water, they thought it was a ghost and they cried out because they all saw him and were troubled.
Immediately, he spoke to them saying, “Take courage and do not be afraid. It is I.” He got into the ship and the wind ceased. They were astonished. They did not understand the incident of the loaves because their hearts were hardened.
Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)
- Jesus brings about this situation by telling the disciples to cross the Sea of Galilee while he remains on land.
- Jesus’ supernatural powers are on full display. By divine revelation, he knows they are struggling on the lake and where to find them.
- He is going to “pass them by.” This means “to come close enough to manifest himself.”
- By lack of faith, they mistake Jesus for a ghost.
- Fortunately, he identifies himself and overcomes their blindness.
- He gets into the boat and the wind dies down. (Another divine manifestation.)
- Despite these signs, the disciples do not understand the mystery.
- They didn’t grasp the multiplication of loaves either.
Affections: (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)
- O Jesus, you plan all the events of my life.
- Seeing my struggles, you come to me.
- You whisper in my heart, “Do not be afraid. I am with you.”
- You “pass by,” close enough for me to experience your presence.
- O Jesus, you are not a ghost. You are my friend and companion.
- When you are in my boat, all is calm.
Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)
+ I will obey Jesus and go wherever he wants.
+ I will not miss his presence when he passes by today.
Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)
Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.