Christ walk on water

Gospel

Mark 6:45-52

His disciples saw him walking on the lake

After the five thousand had eaten and were filled, Jesus made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the crowd away. After saying goodbye to them he went off into the hills to pray. When evening came, the boat was far out on the lake, and he was alone on the land. He could see they were worn out with rowing, for the wind was against them; and about the fourth watch of the night he came towards them, walking on the lake. He was going to pass them by, but when they saw him walking on the lake they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they had all seen him and were terrified. But he at once spoke to them, and said, ‘Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.’ Then he got into the boat with them, and the wind dropped. They were utterly and completely dumbfounded, because they had not seen what the miracle of the loaves meant; their minds were closed.

Reflection

This passage reveals both Jesus’ divine power over nature and the disciples’ persistent struggle to comprehend him. After the miracle of the loaves, they still see with physical eyes, not eyes of faith. When Jesus walks on the stormy sea, they are terrified, mistaking their Savior for a ghost. His response — “Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid” — is not just comfort, but a revelation of his identity (“It is I” echoes God’s name in Exodus). Yet their hearts remain closed, unable to connect the miracles to the truth of who he is. The story invites us to consider how, even after experiencing God’s provision, we can still be blind to his presence in our storms.

Question for Reflection

In what current “storm” or struggle are you finding it hard to recognize Jesus’ presence, and what past experiences of his faithfulness might you be overlooking?

Prayer

Lord Jesus,

when the winds are against me and fear clouds my sight,

help me to recognize you drawing near.

Open the eyes of my heart to remember your faithfulness,

and let me hear your voice saying,

“Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.”

Amen.

Comments

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