Do not be afraid!

Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.  After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray.  Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear.  But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”  “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said.  Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,”“why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”(Matthew 14:22-33) 

The gospel for today happened after Jesus' performed the miracle of the multiplication of bread.  Seeing how Jesus feed the multitude, a large number of them wanted to make Jesus their king.  Jesus sees how his teachings are in danger of being distorted.  They do not worry about the Bread of Life but of worldly bread.  They might not have any concern now for the heavenly things but of worldly and perishable things.  So to save his disciples from being worldly, Jesus sent them away. He made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. 


The similar things happen in our lives when after being called by God, having attended formations and having gained enough experience serving our fellow youth, we usually find our Christian vision and values little bt little, being replaced by worldly ones.  That is why we need to separate ourselves from the world and take measures not to be drawn in it.  We need to reexamine our consciences and our take time to reflect and pray.  That is why we have regular council meetings, retreats, recollections and prayer sessions designed for this purpose.

Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.  Life is sailing into the sea which we sometimes perceive as calm and peaceful but as we gradually leave the shore, and gradually go farther and farther into the sea, we meet storms, winds, heavy seas which symbolize our problems and trials in life.  Like the boat in the gospel, we might find ourselves being tossed and we feel as if we do not have direction.

Our initial reaction to problems  is to find solutions.  However, some have solutions while others do not.  When we do not see any solutions to our problems, we complain that life is meaningless and that God is cruel.


It is when Jesus comes to us.  But we do not usually recognize him.  We do not see a Savior walking in the water but a "ghost".  He comes to us with power but we let our fears disturb us.  It may be a time when we see a friend not as someone who can help us but as a threat or a competitor.  They are the times when we see a problem not as an opportunity for growth but as a curse or a burden.

But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Jesus reveals himself that he is with us.  Problems are not that we should fear of rather they are opportunities for growth.  Jesus guides us to see that there is a reason why he disturbs you.  When the Virgin Mary was visited by an angel, St. Luke says that she was deeply disturbed.  But after the disturbance was a comforting word that she has found favor with God and that she will be the one to bring forth his plans. (cf Luke 1:26-38) Disturbances are actually proofs that we are God's favorites.  He wants to unfold a beautiful plan in our lives.

Four years ago, in the seminary, I have undergone crises in my family which affect my vocation.  My father passed away and I was so distracted and I am planning to go out and help my family.  I have also doubts whether I am for this kind of vocation.  Seeing a great conflict within me, our formator decided for me to leave and take my regency.  It is not easy for me at first, since I miss my friends there and I will be adjusting to a new kind of life.  I do not know where or how to start.  But now, after four years of work, I have realized that those "storms" in my life before actually made me a more mature person and I have met a lot of good friends on my way which greatly contributed to story of my vocation.



It is noteworthy to see Peter's faith after hearing Jesus' consoling words. “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”  The other disciples are afraid but he wants to go near to Jesus even though it is illogical.  Isn't it a height of foolishness to jump into the boat at the middle of the sea?  Isn't it foolishness to lose any sense of support but just the "ghost" in front of him?


But Peter walked into the water and went near to Jesus.  He was able to do a miracle.  Thanks to his participation in God's grace.


But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, begins to sink.   There are times when as we steadily make our way, we easily lose our focus.  We begin to doubt again and let the "storms" in our lives terrify us.  That is why we sink.  We easily forget that it is Jesus who assures us to come to him and we should not fear. We might also be distracted by thinking that we do "miracles" out of our own and not through Christ.  That is why we lose our focus and we fall.

It is good that Peter knows whom to call. “Lord, save me!” As human as we are, we are prone to fall.  But we are invited by Jesus to always call on him.  For he who calls on Jesus will be saved. (Romans 10:13)