God’s presence in crisis

January 09, 2019 Wednesday, After Epiphany 1st Reading: 1 Jn 4:11–18
Gospel: Mk 6:45–52
After the five thousand men were satiated, Jesus obliged his disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, towards Bethsaida, while he himself sent the crowd away. And having sent the people off, he went by himself to the hillside to pray.When evening came, the boat was far out on the lake while he was alone on the land. Jesus saw his disciples straining at the oars, for the wind was against them, and before daybreak he came to them walking on the lake; and he was going to pass them by.When they saw him walking on the lake, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But at once he called to them, “Courage! It’s me; don’t be afraid.” Then Jesus got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astonished, for they had not really grasped the fact of the loaves; their minds were dull.
D@iGITAL-EXPERIENCE
(Daily Gospel in the Assimilated Life Experience)
Today’s Gospel reading provides a stark contrast between the disciples straining at the oars, for the wind is against them, and Jesus calmly walking over the waters.
Instead of rejoicing over Jesus’ presence, they panic in fear thinking that Jesus is a ghost. Mistaking Jesus for a ghost means they do not really know who Jesus is. Don’t they remember that just before this ordeal Jesus multiplied loaves of bread to feed a multitude?
Today’s gospel reading is pregnant with moral lessons. Like the disciples many times we find ourselves battered by troubles. We do not recognize the Lord coming to the rescue for two reasons. First: Tears blur our vision from recognizing the Lord. Fear can make people blind. In moments of fear it is impossible to discern the presence of God, for God is love, and fear is the opposite of love.

Second: We think that our problem is greater than our God. A wonderful poster had this inspiring caption in bold letters: Don’t say ‘Hey God, I have a big problem’ but say instead ‘Hey problem, I have a big God’. What happened to the disciples is worth reflecting. Although Jesus was walking over the very turbulent waters they were afraid of, they were not expecting Jesus to be on top of their fears. God swears he will always come out victorious. He didn’t just cross his heart; he died on the cross!
The next time you find yourself in a turbulent boat, hear Jesus comforting you as he says “Courage! It’s me; don’t be afraid.” Then open your eyes and recognize the Lord offering his grace of perseverance. Do not be afraid, for it is the Lord! – (Atty.) Rev. Fr. Dan Domingo P. delos Angeles, Jr., D.M.

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