One Step Forward

Posted byjencoitoPosted inEaster

Reading: Jn 6:16-21

When evening came, his disciples went down to the sea, got into a boat, and started across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them. The sea became rough because a strong wind was blowing. When they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were terrified. But he said to them, “It is I; do not be afraid.” Then they wanted to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the land toward which they were going.

Reflection

On a recent family vacation we had the opportunity to do a ropes course where people could walk along thin metal strips, slacklines, and ropes, all while safely strapped into a harness system. I am terrified of heights but my 7-year old daughter and 10-year old son happily waited in line and suited up for the experience. Partway through they each turned around, retracing their steps, and did not finish the full course. They were not afraid to step into the unknown, but they were also gentle with themselves when the course became too uncertain. I was so humbled by their courage and bravery. 

As I saw my children taking cautious steps along a narrow path, inching their way towards their goal, I was reminded of this image of Jesus on the sea in today’s Gospel. If I were one of the disciples in the boat, my attempts to reach Jesus would likewise have tentative. No matter how much I would want to be near him, to see him, and to feel his touch, how could I take the risk to reach out of the boat into  the swirling sea? One tiny step forward, one small moment at a time. What risk might Jesus be inviting me to take today? 

Prayer
“Storm” 

How long have I been in this storm?

So overwhelmed by the ocean’s shapeless form

Water’s getting harder to tread

With these waves crashing over my head

If I could just see you

Everything would be alright

If I’d see you

This darkness would turn to light

And I will walk on water

And you will catch me if I fall

And I will get lost into your eyes

I know everything will be alright

I know everything is alright

-Lyrics and music by Lifehouse

Published by jencoito

Jen Coito is a California native with diverse experience in parish, academic, and national ministry settings. She has a Masters in Pastoral Theology from Loyola Marymount University. She worked for the California Province of Jesuits for seven years promoting Christian Life Community on university campuses and other diverse ethnic settings. Jen has collaborated on the creation of formation materials, discernment tools, and small group processes that are being used around the country in Vietnamese, Korean, Spanish, and English. In 2013, Jen and Jesuit priest Fr. Tri Dinh co-founded Christus Ministries out of a desire to engage local young adults and form young-adult friendly parishes. Jen works for the Sisters of Notre Dame in California as the Associate Director of Mission Advancement. Jen, Jason, and their three children live in Southern California. You can read more of Jen's writings at www.jencoito.com.

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