Student Daily Reflection

Acts 6:1-7
Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19
Jn 6:16-21

“It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them…and they began to be afraid.” The Gospel today opens on this scene. Christ’s disciples are afraid and alone in the darkness. Does that seem strange? Did Christ really leave them to face their fears alone??

The faith of the disciples is absolutely gorgeous. They completely put their whole trust and their entire lives into his plan. They left everything (family, occupation, worldly desires) in exchange for a life of voluntary displacement and true faith. Their hearts are so trusting to put aside all of their worries to follow Christ. Can you imagine tomorrow putting aside our jobs, families, and our dreams (or at very least, our “to-do” lists) in order to follow a man who preached radical ideas?

Still, even these men with such beautiful faith and trusting hearts “began to be afraid” in the strangeness of the situation and the absence of our Lord. We can find even greater meaning still when we look at what they did to combat their fear and separation from Christ.

The disciples did not wait idly for Christ to come to them. The Gospel states that the disciples rowed “three or four miles” in the stormy sea. They were working hard to get back to Christ. Yet, this was not enough. It wasn’t until Christ extended the offer of himself with his statement: “It is I. Do not be afraid.” and the disciples accepted him and tried to take him into their boat that they were able to reach their destination.

Christ presents the same offer to us. He stands with us amidst our desolation, our fears, and our worries, and lovingly says: “It is I. Do not be afraid.” There are many things that cause the darkness and stormy seas in our lives, but Christ wants to meet us and extinguish our fears with his presence. Trust him today.

You are beautiful and loved.