Welcome to Day 13 of What Do You Seek.  Thank you so much for listening!  If you haven't already, you can sign up for a podcast link and show notes on our website here. 

A Reflection on John 6:16-24

“It is I; do not be afraid.” (v 20)

It is dark. The sea is rising and falling, and our little boat is at its mercy. The wind whips my hair into my eyes as the water stings my skin. We are far out into the sea, isolated by the waters surrounding us, yet I don’t mind it much. I am still marveling at the miracle we witnessed that day. The Lord has supplied our every need, even feeding the crowds with just five loaves and two fish. The bread that he gave had filled us, overflowing into twelve baskets. Now, as we cross the sea, I ponder all that has happened.

Suddenly, my brothers are shouting and pointing. It seems as though something is coming towards us, but there is nothing but sea around us, what can it be? Is it a man? A man cannot walk on the water. My pulse quickens, I try to breathe but feel suffocated. What can it be? Is it an angel? A demon? We are here, defenseless, in the middle of the sea, and our Lord, the only one who can save us, is not with us.

“It is I; do not be afraid.” I recognize my Lord’s voice before I can make out His face, and relief floods my soul. It is He. He is here. He is with us. We have nothing to fear.

What is the sea surrounding you today? We often feel isolated, in a lonely place where no one can save us. But He can. He can reach you, no matter where you are, no matter what is surrounding you. He has the power to come to you. He walks toward you, reaching out His hands to embrace you, and as He does, He whispers into your ear: It is I, child, I am here. Do not be afraid.

Jesus, I feel so alone sometimes. I feel like no one can reach me, no one can help. Lord, in those moments, may I close my eyes and hear your words in my heart, “It is I, do not be afraid.” May I rest in your embrace, may the beat of your heart soothe my soul as I place myself in your care.

Scripture quotations are from The Catholic Edition of the Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright ©1965, 1966 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.  Used by permission.  All rights reserved worldwide.