Hope in the Midst of the Storm
April 13th Readings Reflection: Saturday of the Second Week of Easter
Today’s Gospel recounts the incident in which the disciples were on the Sea of Galilee looking for Jesus when a strong storm arose. In the midst of the storm, they saw Jesus walking on the water. He told them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” Immediately, the Gospel tells us, “the boat…arrived at the shore to which they were heading.”
Speaking about this Gospel passage, St. Augustine wrote, “The waves and storms and winds then that agitate the ship, are the clamors of the evil speaking, and love waxing cold. Nevertheless the wind, and storm, and waves, and darkness were not able to stop, and sink the vessel; For he that endures to the end, the same shall be saved.”
This quote from St. Augustine recalls the words of Our Lord elsewhere in the Gospels, when He told St. Peter that “the gates of hell shall not prevail against [the Church]” (Mt 16:18 DRB). The Church is often artistically and poetically compared to a boat; thus, the boat in today’s Gospel can be understood to symbolize the Catholic Church. Like the disciples, we often become afraid when the wind, waves, and darkness surround the boat of our Church. It is easy for us to feel, as the disciples felt that night on the sea, that the storm will overcome us.
In times such as this, it is imperative that we cling to Jesus’ words in today’s Gospel: “It is I. Do not be afraid.” The gates of Hell shall not prevail against the Catholic Church; come what may, no forces of the Enemy shall ever triumph over the Church. At the Easter Vigil, my priest gave a beautiful sermon about how the power of the Resurrection applies to each of our lives, unworthy though we are. Similarly, Christ’s reassurance is meant for each of us, as He tells us to not be afraid.
Despite the storms that threaten to overpower us, we have Christ’s unfailing promise that He will protect us always. No matter what befalls the Church, she will not capsize but instead will endure until Christ’s Second Coming. Until then, may Our Lord’s promise fill us with hope, and may we always remember to pray for the Church, her clergy from whom we receive the Sacraments, and the faithful who comprise the Church’s body.
Recently the Holy Spirit reminded me that I listen too much to the news and let the evil one influence my thoughts, feelings and trust in the Lord, thus weakening my trust in the Lord and my peace. Yes, there is much darkness in the world and people in it. But God is still in control. "With God all thiings are possible"."Peace be with you". Jesus was using the plural you when He gave this blessing.
Brava and thanks!