THE WIND WAS AGAINST THEM

PRAYER PAUSE

Wednesday 25 April 2018, Mark

THE WIND WAS AGAINST THEM  

Enter into the stillness of God within.

Reading: “Jesus could see that they were hard pressed in their rowing; for the wind was against them, and about the fourth watch of the night he came towards them.” (Mark 6:48)

Reflection. The readings for today - 1 Peter 5:5-15 and Mark16:15-20 – tell us of the mission of the early Church. But I am drawn to this mention of a head wind, a wind in their faces. It would be easy to turn round and let the wind blow you back to where you came from, to security and comfort. Mark’s gospel is the story of the struggle of the disciples to understand and be faithful.  They often fail or are “in a daze” (10:32).  At the crucial moment “they all deserted him and ran away” (14:50). At the resurrection “they did not believe” (16:11). It is not a very positive picture.  And yet it is the first authentic account of the ministry of Jesus and the response to his message.  The underlying message of Mark is that, despite the head wind in their faces, they persevere. They get the message and “go out and preach everywhere” (16:20).  

Prayer. Help us, Lord to be strong and follow you even when the wind is blowing in our faces. Amen