"Be not afraid; it is I"

In today’s Gospel, John 6:  16-22, we read about the apostles having gone down to the sea and embarked on the journey to Capernaum.  It was already growing dark when they started this journey. These are experienced seas’ men , so they know how to navigate through turbulent waters and how to get through storms.  Notice that they are alone without Jesus, however. When we embark on tasks, take on projects, get involved in relationships without the Lord, it is highly probable that we will run into trouble. Notice that as soon as Jesus approaches the apostles—and He does so without their invitation—the apostles make it to their destination.

The same is true for you and me. When we go it alone—without the Lord, without the Church community, without family and friends—we are likely to embark on storms that could be too much to handle by ourselves. Jesus is aware!  Suddenly, there is a turn of events for the better. No accident, mind you.  Jesus is always near!  His sudden appearance could be frightening.  We may want nothing to do with Him, with religion, with the Church, with others buzzing into our business.  Yet it happens and miracles occur. A bad situation turns into something beneficial.  We are blessed in ways of which we never dreamt possible—that is my experience.  What about yours?  How has Jesus entered your life in unexpected ways, in unexpected places, through unexpected people?  Walking, no less, into the turbulent waters of your life! Surprise! The Risen Jesus can appear anywhere, anytime, anyplace, anytime through any person or event of your life! Nothing deters the Lord when you and I are on a bumpy road or in unsafe territory.

This reminds me of a teenager who went to a tavern one night to join her high school friends and as she turns off the car she hears loudly and clearly: “Sally (not her real name), you are not supposed to be here.”  She returns home to her mother and says: “Mom, I know God speaks to adults but I didn’t know He speaks to teenagers, too.”