Saturday 18th April – Saturday of the 2nd week of Eastertide

Reflection: John 6:16-21

IT IS I, DO NOT BE AFRAID

In Mark’s account of today’s gospel reading (Mark 6:45-50), it was our Blessed Lord Himself that told the apostles to sail across the sea to the other side. Why did He ask them to sail when He knew there would be a storm, you may wonder. He was well aware that the sea will be turbulent, yet He told them to go. He could have prevented the storm but did not. When the going became tough, there was Jesus walking right beside them. For while they sailed He was watching them and when they needed Him, he was right there for them. The solitary crew was not as solitary as it thought after all.

Our God is more ready to help us than we seek to be helped. We have been created to sail through the sea of life with its storms and our Creator who knows what lies ahead of us still urges each of us to go on.  He does not promise us an easy path but He assures us of a safe landing if we hold on to Him. For though our trials as His children may be many, He has promised to deliver us from them all.

To successfully sail on the sea of life we need to rest all our faith in God who tells us, “Courage, I have overcome the world”. For if He who has overcome the world is with us, we can be sure of our triumph too. The difficulties we experience are exactly what He uses to build our trust and commitment to Him. Never focus on the winds, your difficulties, challenges and weaknesses, rather trust in the power of the Master and keep your eyes on Him as He tells you today, “It is I, Do not be afraid.”

PRAYER: In all my difficulties and troubles, help me come to you Lord with humble trust saying: Jesus Help me and never leave me. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 2743 – It is always possible to pray: The time of the Christian is that of the risen Christ who is with us always, no matter what tempests may arise. Our time is in the hands of God.

HIDE A TREASURE: “You will have troubles in the world; but, courage! I have overcome the world” John 16:33 CCB

Today’s Readings: Acts 6:1-7, Psalm 32:1-5, 18-19, John 6:16-21