Gospel: Mark 6: 45-52
After the multiplication of the loaves miracle, the crowd is dismissed to return home. The disciples get into a boat to go to the opposite shore. They encounter a strong headwind that prevents any progress. They all begin to row but to no avail; despite all their efforts they make no progress. In the midst of all this, Jesus appears walking on water towards them.
They become frightened, much as our first parents were frightened in the garden at God's presence. The disciples had relied on their own powers in the midst of the difficulty. They had not recognized the Lord in their midst. Jesus now enters the boat, rebukes them for their lack of faith, and the journey gets easier. The winds subside and their efforts bear fruit.
Is this not the way with us as well? How often do we rely on our own efforts - our strategic plans, market studies, professional consulting firms - and to what end? In our individual lives how often do we forget the presence of the Lord and are frightened when he appears? When we receive the Lord's rebuke and allow him into our boat, how much easier is the voyage, how less menacing is the headwind?
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