Fearful people

Mark 6 : 45 - 52

"Take heart, it is I; have no fear"

This week the week after Epiphany, the readings are still focused on the revelation of Jesus Christ; who he is. I am not familiar with the fear of the rough waters and strong winds that people who travel by sea may have experienced. Yet, fear is not a stranger to me. I do have fears that threaten to shake the ground beneath me. These days the 'storms' come in the form of concerns about my children - when they do not do well in exams (and actually get red marks! I'm not even expecting strings of 'A's), when they stay out a little later than planned.....and it goes on and on, as their lives transition into more and more independence.

Fear and anxiety is common to human beings and it would be foolish to deny this, by putting on a spiritual cloak. Yet, the focus here, as always is the One who knows our every fear. In fact, although Jesus was not with his disciples in the boat, he was in prayer and surely was closely watching them over them in that way. As he walked on the waters they would have been reminded of the Old Testament writings in which God is portrayed as walking on the waters (Ps.77: 19; Job 9:8; Isa. 43: 16). And as Jesus approached, he spoke the words "It is I" that are exclusively attributed to God (Exod. 3:14; Deut. 32: 39; Isa. 41:4; Isa. 43: 10). Despite these profound revelations, the disciples did not fully comprehend, not understanding about the loaves. Their hearts, we are told, were hardened.

Jesus Christ reveals himself as Emmanuel, one who is close by in every circumstance. This is a revelation that is available to all if we open our eyes to see and our ears to hear. I am sure I will still have moments of fear and anxiety. But as I open my heart to hear the same words from the risen Lord, "Take heart...have no fear", my defences break down and trust is renewed.