IT IS I, DO NOT BE AFRAID

John 6:16-21

            “It is I, do not be afraid,” these are Jesus' word in today’s gospel. Jesus says this to the Twelve when they give in to panic upon seeing Him walks on the water. It is the episode of the twelve in the boat on the agitated sea; the master is in the mountain praying, and then suddenly he appears walking on the water in the darkness. This is very terrifying. though some of them where fishermen, they have never seen this.

            A message to us today is that life is a journey in a stormy sea. Christ has assured us not to be afraid for He is with us. Especially on this Easter season he constantly reassures us that, in fact, he will not abandon us even in situations where we feel he is far from us; it is when he is closer and says "It is I, do not be afraid. (Story of a man who wanted to follow the footprints of God, God told him when you don't see my footprint is when I have carried you on my back)

            Aren’t we like the apostles when we experience darkness and adversity?  While the Lord may at times seem distant to us, he is more present at that time.  The Psalm 46 reminds us that the Lord is “a very present help in trouble” . Whatever storms come to us, he promises to “bring us to our desired place”. The Lord keeps watch over us at all times, and especially in our moments of temptation and difficulty. 

            Does the Lord ever seem distant to you?  Do you rely on the Lord for his strength and help?  Jesus assures us that we have no need of fear if we trust in Him and in his great love for us.   When calamities or trials threaten to overwhelm us, how do we respond? With faith and hope in God's love? Jesus’ simple message to those terrified fisherman is the same message he has for you and me when we are caught alone in the darkness, tossed by the winds of life, or feeling helpless. He says, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” A friend sent me a text on Easter saying: With Easter we don't say “O God, I have a big problem"; we say instead, "hey, problem, I have a big God.”

“Lord, may we never doubt your saving help and watchful presence, especially in times of adversity.  Strengthen our faith with courage and hope that we may never waver in our trust in you”.