Proper 12: Gospel, Mark 6:45-56                                           

Mark 6:45-56

At the beginning of this week I decided to lump our readings together under one heading. Installment number three brings us into the Holy Gospel for the week. It’s a bit of a sandwich this week with two water narratives on the ends and prayer in the middle. The Son of God shows to His disciples once again His mastery over nature. And here, soon after the feeding of the 5,000 there is reason to rejoice … and to stand back in awe.

Perhaps it is fitting as well that our epistle reading for the week is a marvelous prayer and in this gospel reading our Lord begins what will be an eventful evening with His own time with the Father. Jesus then takes a stroll, but not at all where you and I would choose. Indeed, we could not tread the same path for Jesus chooses to go the route which requires that his disciples use a boat.

Here in a form of rescue, Jesus shows faithfulness through His exercised power. In this account it is a quiet showing as He climbs into their vessel. And as He settles, so do the waves. His word to them, “Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid” (Mark 6:50), brings to bear His faithful care with a reassurance that only the Son of God could make in such a situation. And their response is one that is always appropriate when we encounter the constancy of His love for us, “they were utterly astounded” (v. 51b).

Father, am I utterly astounded that You love and care for me without ceasing?