Saturday of the Second Week of Easter

"It is I. Do not be afraid." (John 6:20)

Just what were these seasoned fishermen afraid of? Surely not a storm on the lake! They had seen that before. No, John tells us that the disciples "began to be afraid" when they saw Jesus walking toward them on the water (John 6:19). It wasn’t until they heard Jesus’ voice that their fears faded. It wasn’t until his words reached them that they could look beyond the understandably unnerving image of a man walking on water and catch a glimpse of the Son of God.

Then came his voice, his word. This was Jesus, their teacher and friend! He wasn’t a ghost from the netherworld. He wasn’t an angry god bestriding the seas bringing vengeance and wrath. He was Jesus of Nazareth, and he had come to help them.

In the midst of our inner storms, Jesus calls out: "It is I. Do not be afraid." His word can calm our fears. His word—his voice—can reassure us that he has a perfect plan for our lives and that we can trust him completely.

Make it a point today to listen to Jesus. No matter what is making you worried, anxious, or fearful, quiet your mind. Let the voice of the Lord bring you peace. You’ll be amazed how quickly—and safely—you get to the other side!