Always Close
Saturday of the Second Week of Easter
Read this Gospel passage aloud to the family
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.
(Parent) Reread this part a few times aloud
“It is I. Do not be afraid.”
(Parent) Read this meditation aloud to the family
The disciples were afraid. Who wouldn’t be afraid when, out on a boat on the sea, in a fierce wind, during the middle of the night, they see a figure walking toward them on the water? Of course they were afraid. Sometimes we pray for safety, ease, and comfort—for smooth sailing. But another Gospels tell us that it was actually Jesus who sent the disciples across this sea, at night, before the windstorm. Oftentimes God won’t save us from trouble; but He will always save us. There is a wonderful quote from C.S. Lewis’ children’s series, The Chronicles of Narnia, about a godly figure, Aslan the Lion: “He isn’t safe. But he is good.” Jesus might be a little like this.
God’s answer to getting us through tough situations very often isn’t to remove the obstacles, difficulties, or sufferings. Instead, He give us Himself in the midst of these. To get safely to the other side of the lake the apostles didn’t need a calm sea. They needed the Lord’s presence. The answer to our difficult situations might not be to escape from difficulties, but instead to recognize and welcome the closeness of the Lord. What difficulties are we struggling with? The victorious, Risen Lord is with us. In prayer, ask Him to guide our way and to help us through.
As a family, pray a portion of the Rosary together (very short if children are young) reflecting on the Scripture passage above. (Optional: allow a brief time for discussion or questions from children concerning their thoughts and prayer.)
Reminder for Parents: Pier is just meant to be a jumping off point. The real goal is that you pray & eventually use the fruits of your personal prayer as the content of your family’s prayer. Duc in altum.
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