The danger of leaving Jesus in times of difficulties

Gospel Thoughts

*Easter Season : 2nd Week - Saturday*

*GOSPEL - Jn 6:16-21*

*First Reading - Acts 6:1-7*

*The danger of leaving Jesus in times of difficulties*

*1) Things appeared normal when they started their journey*

When disciples started their journey, situation was normal. 

The sea was clam and and there wasn't any symptoms of problems. 

So disciples thought that they can manage without Jesus. So they went without Jesus to criss cross the other side 

This is very important : when everything is normal, situation within our control, do we feel the need of God? 

*2) Disciples started their journey when it was about to be dark*

In our ordinary understanding, evening is the time to conclude the work and time for resting 

Starting something new in the evening or in the night appears to be something unusual 

Darkness is also a symbol that we need to be careful, extra vigilant about the various things that happen around us

*3) The symbolic meaning of Darkness*

All of us are afraid of darkness 

It is something which creates in us, anxiety, fear, absurdity, lack of  confidence, worries about the future, confusion, lack of clarity and so on 

Darkness also a symbol of danger, uncertainty, not a good time to begin something, sin, temptations, and other related things 

*4) when they began the journey Jesus was not with them*

First of all they started their journey when it was about to be dark, seems not to be good time 

Secondly after having started their journey, they didn't think of asking Jesus to join with them. 

They left Jesus and went ahead with the journey. It would have been wise in their part to take Jesus and go. 

Since Jesus was not there with them, they found it very difficult to manage the situation, which made them to get confused and fear 

Absence of Jesus, specially when we are in difficulties, will cause much harm and problems

*5) They were in Trouble when it was dark*

After moving little ahead from the shore, they were caught up in trouble. 

Because there were in the sea and the sea was stirred up because of the  strong wind blowing against them 

That's why they could not continue their journey as they wished. They struggled a lot to cross the other side of the sea 

So since it was dark and the absence of Jesus made their journey still more difficult and miserable 

*6) Jesus still walks towards us*

Even though the disciples had left Jesus, still Jesus could perceive the danger in which His disciples were. 

So Jesus gently walks towards them, in order to help them and to save them from the trouble 

So that is what Jesus is : even if we leave Him, He is still with us, coming after us, to help and to save us

The image of the Lost Sheep has this particular structure, where Jesus goes in search of the lost sheep 

Here it is the Lost disciples in trouble, and Jesus goes in search of them  

*7) The Presence of Jesus and the Trouble*

The presence of Jesus makes a total change in their life 

First of all they were able to reach the destiny within no time 

Secondly they were able to realise the power of Jesus over the nature and the difficulties

Thirdly they were glad and they were free from fear, anxiety, confusion and other things. 

*8) Darkness didn't allow them to recognise Jesus*

Even though Jesus was coming towards them, they could not recognise Jesus because of the darkness and other related issues 

Fear, anxiety, confusion, lack of clarity, lack of faith and vision made it difficult to recognise Jesus in their life 

So it is clear the darkness, or sin, temptation, and evil things in our lives blur the vision of Jesus and we find it very difficult to recognise Jesus 

*9) What about my life?*

What is my response when I begin a new venture in my life? 

Do I leave my God? Or carry Him along with me?

When everything is okie, what is my relationship with my God? Do I think that I can manage my self? 

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*