April 16, 2021
Dear Friends,
We read from Sacred Scripture John 6:16-21 When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea was stirred up because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they began to be afraid. But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.
When I read this passage from scripture, I ask myself a few questions, one being, what is it about being afraid in this passage, would you have reacted the same way as the disciples? I think I would have, I think the whole experience of Jesus walking on the water would have done me in however when Jesus said, do not be afraid it is I, I probably would have still felt some fear, but slowly understand that Jesus was no ordinary person.
How many times in my own personal walk with sickness and pain did I hear the voice of Jesus say to me, I am here with you, do not be afraid. I remember when I was anointed with the sacrament of the sick, I found myself more at peace, knowing the sacred sacraments of the sick would bring me comfort, and it did just that for me.
Hopefully, as we continue to live out the Easter season with faith, hope, and love, we get glimpses of the sacred and the holy in our lives.
We are all called by our baptism to share in the life of Christ, the good and the not-so-good. We are to feel those words of Jesus saying to us, do not be afraid, I am with you always.
My hope and prayer for each of you are to walk with Jesus in the sacred moments of life, happy and sad. Jesus never abounds us, we must have that confidence in Him as well as our friends, doctors, and all those who watch over us and care for us especially in times of hardship, stress, and loneliness.
Peace and all good,
Brother Ed Arambasich, OFM