Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.
Today's Gospel: John 6:16-21
Jesus has a knack for showing up. In today’s Gospel, He is walking on water just as the weather’s getting bad, a feat which makes the disciples uneasy. (Who can blame them?)
On the one hand, they left without Him. On the other hand, why do they continue to be surprised by this? There’s nothing about walking on water that’s expected. There’s nothing about walking on water that’s business as usual. There’s nothing about walking on water that’s done by anyone else ever.
What always strikes me is what seems to be a Gospel equation: (A) Disciples doing something without Jesus + (B) Jesus showing up = (C) Disciples afraid + (D) Jesus saying “Do not be afraid.”
Whenever I attempt something without Jesus—without consulting with Him, without talking with Him, without listening to His advice—I find myself in that boat in the middle of the sea. Sure enough, the weather takes a turn for the windy-rainy-nasty, and I’m left wondering what I will do.
There comes Jesus, striding along as though He’s on concrete.
And it’s freaky. It’s scary. It’s NOT NORMAL.
Why must He do that? (Is it a boy thing?)
When I get beyond my fear, I realize that, if I had invited Him into the boat with me, I wouldn’t have been in this predicament anyway.
And yet, ever so gentle, ever so loving, He reaches out and says, with a smile in His eyes, “Do not be afraid.”
Ponder:
What do I need to bring to Jesus today?
Pray:
Jesus, come to me and keep me safe from the storm that is upon me. Grant me Your peace.
Click to tweet:
There’s nothing about walking on water that’s expected. There’s nothing about walking on water that’s business as usual. There’s nothing about walking on water that’s done by anyone else ever. #DailyGospel
Copyright 2024 Sarah Reinhard
About the Author
Sarah Reinhard
When she’s not chasing kids, chugging coffee, or juggling work, Sarah Reinhard’s usually trying to stay up read just one … more … chapter. She writes and works in the midst of rural farm life with little ones underfoot. She is part of the team for the award-winning Catholic Mom’s Prayer Companion, as well as the author of a number of books. Follow her writing at Snoring Scholar.
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