By Maria Morera Johnson
“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.” ~ Matthew 14:27
On this eve of the Epiphany we see, in the Gospel of Mark, an epiphany of sorts among the Disciples of Jesus.
The circumstances are chaotic. The amazing miracle of the loaves and fishes has just happened, where the 5000 + people were fed. Jesus is practically running away to pray in peace – first sending away the disciples to get in the boat and put out to sea, and then sending away the crowd as night falls.
The disciples find themselves in the darkness, unsteady in the boat as wind and waves toss them about. It must surely be an outward representation of their emotional state.
What have they just witnessed in the miracle of the loaves and fishes?
Jesus sees the boat in the tempest and goes out to them. However, his presence distresses the disciples so he calls out, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid.” Perhaps in that moment when the disciples recognized Him they saw the glory of God.
Like the disciples, fear often clutches our hearts when we find ourselves alone in the chaotic darkness of the unknown.
It is in those times that Jesus comes to us, present to our need, waiting for us to call to Him. In the same way he entered the disciples’ boat and calmed the water, Jesus is ready to enter our hearts and bring peace.
Let us have our Epiphany now: take courage and know that he is God!
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, I praise you and adore you! I invite you into my heart. Bring your calming presence into my life. Amen.
Call to Action
The darkest moments in the disciples’ lives are when they are apart from Jesus. Let us not wait until we are in distress to call Him to us.
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Thank you for this very calming reminder to ask Jesus to come to us and calm our hectic days.
Thank you for your positive words. Fear sometimes clutches my heart when I dwell on what’s happening in our world. I pray for peace in my life and in the hearts of others who are troubled. Peace be with you!