Have you ever had a bad dream which, while you were having it, just seemed so horrible, or life-changing, or frightening that it took you awhile to realize, after you’d woken up from it, that none of it was real and the horror of it all was nothing you actually had to worry about? I’m sure we all have at some time. Do you remember the unbelievable wave of relief that washed over you when you fully realized it was all only a dream? Remember how you were so happy that you just laid there for awhile thinking “wow, I’m so glad at this moment”.

I picture that same feeling washing over the Apostles in today’s Gospel. They are rowing across the sea, probably quite worn out from the late hour and the exertion, then the bad weather kicks in to make things even more difficult. Suddenly, there approaches someone walking on the water. Maybe they thought it was something like a ghost at first, or something even more sinister. They probably all experienced that wave of heat and adrenaline that rushes up from your feet and over your whole body when you see something that really freaks you out. I imagine seeing a man walking on the sea in the middle of a storm would be qualify as freaky.

As He does so many times, though, Jesus says the words “It is I. Do not be afraid”, and immediately the Apostles are relieved and invite Him into the boat. The relief they felt was probably similar to the after-nightmare joy we’ve all felt. They realized they were not faced with something horrible or frightening, instead they were joyful to see that it was Jesus coming to them.

I like to think that no matter what storms you’re facing, you can always look to find Jesus there, telling you “It is I. Do not be afraid”. Turn to Him and welcome Him in just as the Apostles did. Find joy and relief that He is looking after you. Before you know it, you’ll arrive at the shore as well, out of the storm, and in the company of your greatest advocate. What more could you ask for?

How would you have felt if you were one of the Apostles in the story today? How would you have felt when you heard Jesus speak to you? Why?

What are some of the storms you are going through in your life right now?

How can you continue to look for and listen to the Lord even in the stormy days of life?

"Here I am Lord."

"Jesus, I trust in You."

​"Come Holy Spirit."

Let the Lord calm your fears. Acknowledge and face the storms in your life today and let the voice and power and love of the Lord wash away the fear and bring you peacefully to shore.