2ND WEEK OF EASTER

Jesus had not yet come to them. 

Many of us can feel that the disciples had it easier than we do. After all, Jesus was physically there with them. But today’s Gospel (John 6:16-21) seems to speak directly to all of us who live after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into heaven. We find the disciples in deep water, both literally and figuratively. Jesus had slipped away from the crowd to go up into the hillside to pray, leaving the Twelve to take a boat back to Capernaum. So physically, they were far from the Lord when the storm hit and their boat began to pitch back and forth with the waves.

But even though they were separated from Jesus geographically, they were never separated from him spiritually. Jesus could still see them. He still cared about them and still felt for them. He had gone up the mountain to pray, and you can imagine him including these men in his prayers as he saw them struggling against the storm. Then, at just the right time, he came to them, calmed the sea, calmed their fears, and brought them safely to shore.

Many times we imagine that, like the disciples, we are left to deal with problems on our own while Jesus remains far off in heaven with his Father and the angels. But the storm-tossed disciples learned that Jesus is not limited by his physical absence, and we need to trust that as well. We are always in his mind and in his heart. He sees our struggles, and he continues to hold us close and to intercede for us before his Father.

If you have concerns for yourself or a loved one, take heart. Remember the disciples in the boat. Commit to memory this line from today’s responsorial psalm: “The eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear him, upon those who hope for his kindness” (33:18). He sees you. He has you in the palm of his hand. And he will act at just the right time.

“Jesus, help me to believe and trust that you will never take your eyes off of me.”

Acts 6:1-7
Psalm 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
John 6:16-21

WORD AMONG US