After the five thousand had eaten and were satisfied,
Jesus made his disciples get into the boat
and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida,
while he dismissed the crowd.
And when he had taken leave of them,
he went off to the mountain to pray.
When it was evening,
the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore.
Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing,
for the wind was against them.
About the fourth watch of the night,
he came toward them walking on the sea.
He meant to pass by them.
But when they saw him walking on the sea,
they thought it was a ghost and cried out.
They had all seen him and were terrified.
But at once he spoke with them,
“Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”
He got into the boat with them and the wind died down.
They were completely astounded.
They had not understood the incident of the loaves.
On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.

There are times when we work with the Lord’s strength and witness great things, like those seen by the disciples in the multiplication of the loaves and the fishes. But at other times it is good for us to discover our own fragility, because with our own strength we can do nothing.

That is what the disciples experience today as they row on the Sea of Galilee with the wind against them. And it is good for us too, so that we never forget that strength comes from the Lord, and so that we become aware of just how much we need Him.

Brought into Married Life

Michael: Rachel, have you ever rowed with a strong headwind?

Rachel: You know, Michael, I am more the type to lie down and soak up the sun.

Michael: Yes, of course. What a silly question… But it is incredible. When the wind blows hard, I can hardly move forward at all, no matter how much effort I put into rowing.

Rachel: Well, you are strong and you have been rowing for years. If you cannot manage, imagine me. Why are you telling me this all of a sudden?

Michael: Because that is exactly my experience without the Lord. When His Spirit pushes, what He allows me to do is astonishing. But when He does not, I discover my complete inability.

Rachel: Well, today He tells you not to be afraid. Even when there are times when it seems you are not moving forward or you feel like you are failing, He is walking nearby, waiting for the right moment to step into your boat.

Mother,

May we not be afraid when we fail relying on our own strength.The Lord wants to teach us humility, just as He did through You. Praised be the Child God.