St. Pius V
Jn 6:16-21
When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified.
But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.
Letting Jesus Move You
The multiplication of loaves immediately precedes this Gospel. Feeding and ministering to thousands of people living on the margins of Roman and Jewish society, then rowing miles across a dark, windy sea sounds absolutely exhausting! Yet at the height of the disciples’ exhaustion, Jesus appears, speaks words of comfort, and moves them-physically and spiritually-to where they need to be.
These are exhausting times in our world, our church, our communities, and our lives. Living through a pandemic, lukewarm church attendance, political division and economic instability, the work of justice and peace – all can seem overwhelming. Despite our best efforts, it seems we are constantly navigating turbulent waters.
Consider the rough seas of your life. Can you hear Jesus saying, “It is I; do not be afraid?” Take time to allow Jesus to move you – physically, emotionally, and spiritually – to where you need to be.
—Sue Robb is the Pastoral Associate for Justice & Life at St. Francis Xavier Parish in Kansas City, Missouri.
Prayer
Jesus, I need You in my life to help me navigate the rough seas.
Open my mind to find creative solutions to the problems of this world.
Fill my heart with greater empathy for those who are suffering.
Strengthen my spirit so I may be renewed in the work You call me to do.
In the Light of Your Resurrection, You are my hope, my strength, and my peace.
Amen.
—Sue Robb