Daily Gospel Reflection
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April 13, 2024
When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea,
embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum.
It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.
The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing.
When they had rowed about three or four miles,
they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat,
and they began to be afraid.
But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.”
They wanted to take him into the boat,
but the boat immediately arrived at the shore
to which they were heading.
My husband and I have been blessed with six wonderful children, each with their own set of talents and unique needs that God has entrusted to our care. Today’s reading resonates deeply with me as I often view parenting as akin to being in a boat on the water in unpredictable weather.
It’s wonderful on sunny days with blue skies and calm seas, but the physical and emotional toll of the unsteady waters of parenting is physically and emotionally exhausting. My days are filled with constant effort to “steady the boat” as the strong winds of life swirl around our family. Much like the disciples, there are times when it can feel like we’re rowing for miles and miles on our own. But if we can carve out a moment to pause our complex balancing efforts, we can hear Jesus saying, “It is I. Do not be afraid.”
We can see, in his loving gaze, that he is asking to take the stress, worry, and tired parts of our lives and carry them for us. He desires to take our burdens if we just surrender them to him. What stirred waters are swirling around your “boat” that you constantly try to steady on your own out of fear that it is all going to crash?
It is good to be an involved and caring parent. At the same time, it is also good to regularly offer up our children to God, surrendering what we think is the best plan for their lives for God’s plan for their lives. In this season of Easter joy, let us remember that Jesus lived and died for us and is ready and waiting to steady our boats and our hearts.
Prayer
God of all strength and consolation, you hear those who cry out to you in their need. Though we face darkness and rough seas, you never let your faithful people be overcome. You send us your Son to walk with us in the storms that threaten our journey. Let your face shine upon us, and we shall be saved. Grant this through Christ, our risen Lord. Amen.
