Our reading for today describes the disciples sailing to meet Jesus at Bethsaida and straining at the oars because the wind was against them. 

Panic-stricken, the disciples had tried to manage the situation, but things got out of hand. The Lord eventually came to their rescue by walking on water, right toward them. 

Unfortunately, the disciples did not recognise Jesus and thought they had seen a ghost. They realised it was the Lord only when he finally said to them, ‘Take courage. It is I. Don’t be afraid!’

Jesus was telling them to be still and to be sure. Stillness, in its truest sense, is our ability to trust that God is present and hears us in all situations. Being still is the hardest thing to do when we are in the thick of crisis or when things get out of control. But when all is said and done, learning to let go of our worries and trust that God is present shows great wisdom.

The key to being sure is perspective. Certainly, we will have our share of strong winds and rough waters in life. When these moments come, may we learn to take courage and never miss out on the presence of Jesus, the ever-faithful One who comes to us each and every time.

Prayer: Give us true courage, O Lord, so that when the strong winds come, we may remain still and sure in your presence. Amen