It is a rare picture that we see today in the Gospel.
Often it is so: if Jesus prays "alone" the disciples too remain in its vicinity. But tonight, Jesus is alone, completely alone.
And the disciples are on the way to the other shore.
Usually Peter expresses something in such situations. Today he remains still – in the first Part of the gospel.
Actually this is not a "problem" for Jesus, then he is in prayer and he is keeping better. He feels stronger.
On the other side, the disciples, who have benefited from the miracle and want to rest, are in danger.
Their boat was tossed about by the waves.
The darkness around them, the wind: these were actually nothing new for these experienced fishermen from Galilee. Nevertheless, they are frightened.
During the fourth Watch of the Night- which is between 3 and 6 O’ clock in the morning - the disciples had to fight with the sea.
It's interesting: the disciples who longed for the rest in the night could not come to rest ...
They were worried about losing: their night rest and the 12 baskets full of bread in the boat - which is actually in excess.
We can find such lost and frightened people around our lives.
This is something we have learned before few weeks - in the last days in July: the famous singer Amy Winehouse (27 years) was found dead in her apartment. Cause of death is unclear. It is speculated that the use of excess dose of drugs and alcohol destroyed her life. She was so successful and famous in a short time. But that brought her no happiness.
There are certain similarities between the disciples (first part of the Gospel) and people like the singer Amy Winehouse. Then they claim they have everything - so even in abundance - but the life boat is still circling in the lake of our distress and dissatisfaction, anxiety and so on ...
The disciples are inside the chaos: they do not even think about Jesus.
Even then Jesus comes to them. Jesus sees their need.
That is the beauty of our God: that is the comfort we gain from our faith:
A God who comes to us to solve our issues- he is the Good Shepherd.
The disciples are confused. They perceive Jesus as a ghost.
Yes, fear and bitterness in our eyes can prevent our sight. Or it can give a totally wrong picture. Many may lose their faith in God - and trust between human. We doubt, if the help is a real one for me or it is a trap.
Jesus says: "Have faith" - Jesus strengthen them always with this thought – have confidence- don’t fear- he repeats this even after his resurrection. Presence of God is not something to be feared.
Trust in God and trust in people will help one to overcome fear and weakness. Those who act out of fear, is bound and not free.
Jesus wants to free his disciples.
Often it is so: if Jesus prays "alone" the disciples too remain in its vicinity. But tonight, Jesus is alone, completely alone.
And the disciples are on the way to the other shore.
Usually Peter expresses something in such situations. Today he remains still – in the first Part of the gospel.
Actually this is not a "problem" for Jesus, then he is in prayer and he is keeping better. He feels stronger.
On the other side, the disciples, who have benefited from the miracle and want to rest, are in danger.
Their boat was tossed about by the waves.
The darkness around them, the wind: these were actually nothing new for these experienced fishermen from Galilee. Nevertheless, they are frightened.
During the fourth Watch of the Night- which is between 3 and 6 O’ clock in the morning - the disciples had to fight with the sea.
It's interesting: the disciples who longed for the rest in the night could not come to rest ...
They were worried about losing: their night rest and the 12 baskets full of bread in the boat - which is actually in excess.
We can find such lost and frightened people around our lives.
This is something we have learned before few weeks - in the last days in July: the famous singer Amy Winehouse (27 years) was found dead in her apartment. Cause of death is unclear. It is speculated that the use of excess dose of drugs and alcohol destroyed her life. She was so successful and famous in a short time. But that brought her no happiness.
There are certain similarities between the disciples (first part of the Gospel) and people like the singer Amy Winehouse. Then they claim they have everything - so even in abundance - but the life boat is still circling in the lake of our distress and dissatisfaction, anxiety and so on ...
The disciples are inside the chaos: they do not even think about Jesus.
Even then Jesus comes to them. Jesus sees their need.
That is the beauty of our God: that is the comfort we gain from our faith:
A God who comes to us to solve our issues- he is the Good Shepherd.
The disciples are confused. They perceive Jesus as a ghost.
Yes, fear and bitterness in our eyes can prevent our sight. Or it can give a totally wrong picture. Many may lose their faith in God - and trust between human. We doubt, if the help is a real one for me or it is a trap.
Jesus says: "Have faith" - Jesus strengthen them always with this thought – have confidence- don’t fear- he repeats this even after his resurrection. Presence of God is not something to be feared.
Trust in God and trust in people will help one to overcome fear and weakness. Those who act out of fear, is bound and not free.
Jesus wants to free his disciples.
Peter tries to restore the losing faith / confidence in his way, even if he does not quite manage it well.
Or he wanted to examine whether it was really Jesus?
Or he wanted to be equal to the "wonderful" Jesus?
In any case, Jesus criticized their loss of faith and called Peter - "You, of little faith." This qualification applies to everyone.
History repeats in our lives with different properties.
We are often on the way: the boat - our life - is often crowded and accumulated. Often we are tired and weary. The happy moments may darken our eyes and view.
The most important one- God - remains distant - alone on the mountain - in our churches - and in our prayer rooms. Many forget to thank God.
The wind of helplessness reminds us that we need help.
Jesus tells us it is still not too late. He expects “only one word of SOS”.
Each time he will come to save us.
We just need the confidence, faith in him.
The Gospel ends with wonder and praise.
The disciples find their faith again - their Son of God;
they give Jesus his rightful place.
Well, what we have in our life-boat? - Excess earnings and concerns?
Or the All-Regulating presence of God?
Let us pray for his constant companionship. God bless us all. Amen!
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Fr Thomas Kalathil
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