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Vocation Meditation - August 10
After the crowd had eaten enough, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray.
When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning Jesus came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, "It is a ghost!" And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."
Jesus had a busy day ministering to the needs of the crowds. He gave them a concrete response to what they sought. He gave them food, bread for their journey. As for Himself, Jesus felt a different hunger after that busy day. He hungered for communion with the Godhead. He needed space and quiet to align His work for the Kingdom with the thoughts of the Father in the Spirit of love. Prayer made Him one with the Father and the Spirit. He prayed, even though he knew that His disciples would need help from Him against the wind and the waves they encountered. In prayer, He knew His apostles would be safe.
On the other hand, the apostles, after that busy day of service, immediately did what Jesus asked of them. They crossed the lake. But they missed the real experience. To rest, stop and ask to pray WITH Jesus were not in their agenda just yet. They left soon and when the winds and the waves were against them, they became disoriented, felt helpless and were utterly battered by fear. They felt alone and still far from shore! In their fear they forgot they were never alone. Jesus calmed their fear and sent their 'ghosts' away. His presence and His word steadied their boat, their hope and their faith. Prayer is the best companion against the winds of change, of all forms of fear and the frenetic activities of our day.
Vocation challenge:
"Take heart! It is I. Do not be afraid."
When my 'boat' is battered by fear and excessive activity, how do I turn to prayer?
For the full Gospel reading for this Sunday, visit the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops site.