John 6

Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator

Yesterday's Gospel passage was the opening lines from the sixth chapter of St. John's Gospel, most of which is known as the Discourse on the Bread of Life. However, between the sign of the feeding of the 5,000 and the actual discourse, there is the familiar story of the storm on the Sea of Galilee. St. John's version of that story is shorter than that of the synoptic Gospels and differs in one particular detail. When Jesus steps into the boat after walking upon the water to reach it, the apostles find themselves on the opposite shore. No mention is made of Jesus calming the wind or the sea. He simply says, "Do not be afraid," steps into the boat, and they find themselves at their destination. Clearly, John's telling of the story carries with it a different purpose. While the synoptic tradition builds on the supposition that only God is in charge of the elements of nature, John is referencing another kind of storm.

Once they reach the other shore, they are met by the crowd. Realizing that Jesus had not left with the apostles but also aware of the fact that he was no longer in their midst, the crowd gets into boats and makes their way to the opposite shore where they find Jesus. They want to know how he got there, but Jesus immediately turns the conversation to the feeding of the 5,000. Over the next week, we will hear that conversation recounted. We will also see the crowd of 5,000, not counting women and children, dwindle until only the Twelve are with him. Jesus asks them if they too wish to leave. Peter gives his famous response: Lord, to whom shall we go. You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and are convinced that you are the Holy One of God. (John 6:68-69)

Let us keep in mind that the community out of which the Fourth Gospel springs was experiencing division and conflict. Indeed, this conflict was more powerful than any storm on the Sea of Galilee. Perhaps St. John includes this story in this chapter as a foretaste of the distress that is to come. By assuring the his followers that with Jesus in their boat, they need not fear that they will reach their destination.

This Gospel passage evokes a personal response in me. It was the Gospel of the day on which I celebrated by Silver Jubilee of ordination. That was eleven years ago. Much has happened in the last eleven years, especially with regard to my health. I revisit this Gospel passage from time to time to remind myself of the lesson it contains. I have nothing to fear as long as I am sure that Jesus is in my boat. Obviously this is a message that all CUSANS can appreciate.