The night was drawing near. And Jesus found himself on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, and sent the disciples to the other side of the sea. The multiplication of bread could have raised triumphalist hopes in respect to the reign of God. Jesus left his disciples from this error, left the multitude and climbed the mountain to pray alone. The faith in the Lord Resurrected helps the church confront the existential difficulties in the Siro-Phoenician Christian communities of the first century and the scenario does not stop here, but continues to our days.

The episode of crossing the rough sea, with Jesus walking on the waters, is narrated by Mark and by John. Matthew adds to it the fact that Peter dared to go to encounter the Messiah on the waters, establishing a dialogue among them both. Peter asks Jesus to permit him to go to meet him. He has the consent and put himself to walk on the agitated waters. Vacillating and feeling fear, he begins to “sink”. In our evangelical mission to cross the sea of adversities, also we feel the fear that leads us to be inclined to retreat. But Jesus is present, he secures us with the hand and encouraging our faith: “Courage, It is I! Why  did you doubt?”

Without Jesus, Peter’s boat, that represents the Church, confronts contrary winds. In the last hours of the night, seeing the Lord come to us, walking on the sea, the disciples scream in fear, thinking that it is a ghost. “Courage! It is I. Do not be afraid!” The faith in the Lord resurrected should stop the fear of Christian communities.

Peter asks for a sign that confirms the presence of the Lord: “If it is you, send me to go to meet you.” The Lord said: “Come” and Peter walked on the waters, trusting in the Word of Jesus. But feeling the violence of the wind, he remained with fear and began to sink. “Lord, save me! Jesus extended a hand to Peter, to me and to you saying: “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”

When Jesus climbed in the boat, the wind ceased and all prostrate, recognized him: “Truly, you are the Son of God!” This profession of faith, now purified through the experience of the dark night, comes being prepared from the episode of the Multiplication of loaves.

In the moments of desolation, I trust in the presence of the Lord, even in the apparent absence of Him? In the dark night, that which I ask the Lord: the miracle of a stronger faith? In the storms of life we are not alone. God does not abandon us, even when we don’t feel His presence.

Lord Jesus, in the hours of enthusiasm do not allow me to forget that the Lord is the fount of my joy. And in the hours of sadness, that I do not lose the faith in Your presence. I believe, Lord, but increase my faith. I want to risk my life for the Reign. Give the me the strength and Your power in order that I may overcome the fight from day to day.

Fr Bantu Mendonça K. Sayla

Fr. Bantu writes from the Diocese of Benguela, Angola.

Translated from Portuguese