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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider They saw Jesus walking on the sea

They saw Jesus walking on the sea

Published Apr 18, 2026 12:05 am  |  Updated Apr 17, 2026 06:18 pm
REFLECTIONS TODAY
In the four Gospels we find Jesus saying, “Do not be afraid” no less than 15 times. In fact, it has been said that “fear not” is the most often repeated commandment in the Bible!
In today’s Gospel episode, Jesus commands this to the Twelve when they give in to panic upon seeing him walk on the water. They think they are seeing a ghost. He reassures them.
At this point some might ask why Jesus decided to perform such a strange miracle at the risk of scaring his disciples out of their wits.
The answer to that question is not in the Gospel text, but we can make an educated guess and think that Jesus was showing his power over nature, and therefore was strengthening their faith in him so that they would be capable of receiving his forthcoming teaching on the Bread of Life.
First Reading • Acts 6:1-7
As the number of disciples continued to grow, the Hellenists complained against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.
So the Twelve called together the community of the disciples and said, “It is not right for us to neglect the word of God to serve at table.
Brothers, select from among you seven reputable men, filled with the Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint to this task, whereas we shall devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
The proposal was acceptable to the whole community, so they chose Stephen, a man filled with faith and the Holy Spirit, also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicholas of Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the Apostles who prayed and laid hands on them.
The word of God continued to spread, and the number of the disciples in Jerusalem increased greatly; even a large group of priests were becoming obedient to the faith.
Responsorial Psalm • Ps 33
“Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.” or “Alleluia.”
Gospel • John 6:16-21
When it was evening, the disciples of Jesus went down to the sea, embarked in a boat, and went across the sea to Capernaum. It had already grown dark, and Jesus had not yet come to them.
The sea was stirred up 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 began to be afraid. But he said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.”
They wanted to take him into the boat, but the boat immediately arrived at the shore to which they were heading.
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.

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