Fear

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.  (John 6: 16 – 21)

Fear is one of the most difficult of all human emotions.  It can paralyze us and make us unable to function.  In today’s gospel the disciples were faced with tremendous fear as their boat was being tossed in the storm.  Their fear was appeased when Jesus approached them and entered their boat.  The disciples on their part followed Jesus.

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Catherine of Sienna who once wrote:  “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.”  Let us take the time today to follow the disciples and live St. Catherine of Sienna’s words.

Pat Schifini, OSU