Have no fear

Mark 6: 45 - 52

Take heart, it is I; have no fear

This is a wonderful passage to read after Epiphany. We might wonder how it was that the disciples could be so dense and even 'hard of heart' (Jesus' own assessment) when he was with them constantly and they saw so many 'manifestations' of his presence. Yet, it is recorded in Scripture for us to read and wonder.....and perhaps wonder too about our own lives with the Lord.

Doesn't the Lord seem really mysterious to us at times? Surely he does seem that way as he was to his disciples. After the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, Jesus sends his disciples away to fend for themselves while a storm brews on the sea. Surely he knew what was to come and how difficult the passage through the waters would be.

Surely the Lord knows the many struggles we face daily in our lives. There are times when we receive much 'consolation and comfort' from our Lord's presence, and it is easy to be confident and without 'fear' at such times.

On the other hand, there are times when the Lord sends us out into deeper waters, even turbulent seas and seems to 'leave' us there for a while. "Where is God?", we wonder. "Why does he not come through for us?" These are testing times, and times that invite dark faith. There is an agonizingly long time between our questions and the 'answer'. And initially, the answer does not seem like the one we hope for. God may offer his presence, before any change in circumstances can be detected. His presence is the 'answer', but we may not be aware of it, and we remain terrified.

But Jesus does not mean to play a game of 'hide and seek' in any cruel way. I believe that somehow, somewhere, his presence will become clear, if we pray for spiritual understanding and for pliable hearts that are surrendered to his grace.