Saturday of the Second Week of Easter
Today’s readings show how the apostles’ faith evolved over the course of time. From frightened and uncertain men, to people boldly proclaiming the Word of God, these followers of Jesus were drastically changed by their encounter with Christ. As disciples of Jesus, we also are given the opportunity for our faith to evolve as we encounter Christ in our daily lives.
In the gospel reading, the disciples are heading to Capernaum over the Sea of Galilee. They had just experienced the multiplication of the loaves where Jesus fed the multitudes. The scene is described as dark and the water is “stirred up.” I often try to imagine what was happening in the scene. Were the disciples discussing the events they had just seen? Were they questioning what all of this means? Suddenly, they see Jesus walking on the water, and then “they began to be afraid.” The dark and dangerous sea had not caused fear, but Jesus walking on the water was overwhelming! Jesus says, “It is I.” A reminder that He is the “I am” of the Old Testament. Before they can even respond, they arrive on shoreline. Again, I imagine them wondering who this person is, and what does all of this mean?
Fast forward to the first reading, and we find the twelve apostles devoted to the Word of God. They choose other disciples to care for the details of food distribution, since they wanted to be totally devoted to “prayer and the ministry of the Word.” Because of their deep faith and witness, the number of new disciples grew in Jerusalem, and even the Jewish priests were becoming “obedient to the faith.”
What occurred between the fear on the Sea of Galilee and the strong faith demonstrated in this growing new community of believers? The disciples were transformed through their encounter with the risen Christ and the outpouring of His Spirit. They had witnessed Jesus’ suffering and death, but their fears were overcome by His risen presence. They were further emboldened as Jesus shared His Spirit and sent them forth to share this Good News. Their faith and witness was so striking, that even Hellenists and priests were following the Way. The small group of believers’ faith in Jesus became central to the growth of the new church.
As disciples of Jesus, we are also called to be transformed. From doubting and fear, Jesus calls us to a deeper faith in Him and His Kingdom. During this Easter season, we are invited to reflect on Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection and be mindful of what this means for us. Jesus also offers His Spirit to fill us and guide us on our daily journey. If we have eyes of faith like the apostles, then we will be able to witness the many places where Jesus reveals His presence among us. This evolving faith will also provide us with the wisdom and courage to go forth in our daily lives sharing the love, peace and mercy that Jesus offers. Just like the early disciples, we are provided a community of believers to support us and help us to grow in our faith. It is when we work together, each of us with our particular gifts, that we can bring about the kingdom. As we work together, our faith grows and flourishes.
When I read the accounts of the early disciples, I view with awe the great faith of these followers and the strength of their community. I realize that we do not live in the same time or circumstances as these early Christians, but I believe that we are still called to live out our faith in ways that bring about healing and peace for our world. It is when we place our trust in the risen Christ that we allow God’s goodness to overflow to the world around us. Just as the early church had challenges, our current church and community is also in need of healing. May our evolving faith grow to become an opportunity for renewal that brings wholeness and unity to our community of believers.
Loving God, Jesus’ passion, death and resurrection reveal Your great love for us. As disciples of Jesus, we are called not only to believe in Jesus but to follow Him and His path. Send down Your Spirit, so we can grow in our faith and become disciples who share Your love, peace and forgiveness with the world. May our lives of faith give you glory and praise. We pray this in Christ’s name. AMEN
-Marylynn Herchline