Then he made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray. When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone onshore. Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!” He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were completely astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened.
Reflection
The
disciples were amazed at the greatness of His virtue, they could not recognize
him the truth of the Divine Majesty. Wherefore it goes on, for his or her
hearts were hardened. But mystically, the toil of the disciples in rowing, and
the contrary wind, mark out the labours of the Holy Church, who amidst the
beating waves of the world, and the blasts of unclean spirits, strives to
succeed in the repose of her celestial country. And well is it said that the
ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land, for sometimes The church is afflicted by pressure from the Gentiles so overwhelming, that her
redeemer seems to have entirely deserted her. But the Lord sees His own,
toiling in the sea, for, lest they faint in tribulations, he strengthens them by
the look of His love, and sometimes frees them by visible assistance. Further,
within the fourth watch, he came to them as daylight approached, for when a
person lifts up his mind to the sunshine of guidance from on high, the Lord
will be with him, and the dangers of temptations will be laid asleep. (Bede)
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