Lenten Meditation: March 8, 2024
Daily Scripture Passage: Mark 6:47-56
When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came toward them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. — Mark 6:48
There are moments when Jesus seems intentionally cruel. As in this story: Jesus sees the disciples straining to row against an adverse wind and even so, walking on the waters of the sea, intends to pass them by.
Is Jesus heartless?
According to the story, the disciples’ own hearts were hardened after the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, which had happened just before. Perhaps this is because they had not enjoyed a promised time apart for rest in a deserted place, for crowds had recognized them and followed them there. Now, after the crowds had been fed with the five loaves and two fish, Jesus was making the exhausted disciples cross over the sea in a boat, although night was falling.
Further, they did not understand about the loaves: Did they not understand that the miraculous feeding, despite the effort, was paradoxically a time apart for rest, with a feast of spiritual food, much like our Eucharistic liturgies today?
Jesus may have intended to pass by not because he was dismissive, cruel, or heartless, but rather to challenge the disciples’ own hardness of heart. Their stoniness may have prevented them from recognizing Jesus as he walked on the sea, in contrast with the crowds on both shores who recognize him immediately.
When we, as individuals and as a Church, struggle against adverse winds, do we become overwrought and hard-hearted? Does this prevent us from recognizing Jesus coming to us, especially in people who at first terrify us?
May Jesus challenge us, urge us not to fear, and then come into our boats, hearts, churches, to calm the winds and bring a peace that will surpass our understanding.