ACC ~ John 6 v17 - 18

THE DANGER OF BEING WITHOUT JESUS IN A STORM

CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA: The circumstances of their journey drive the disciples to a more intense search for the Savior. For the deep darkness of the night troubles them, hovering like smoke on the raging waves and taking away any ability for navigation. The fierce winds, riding on the waves with a rushing sound that raises the billows high above their heads, had to trouble them more than a little bit. Yes, and through all of this, John records, “Jesus was not yet with them.” This was the real danger, and Christ’s absence from these voyagers was making their fear grow more and more.

Those who are not with Jesus are in a fierce tempest of a storm. They are cut off from him or at least seem to be absent from him because they have departed from his holy laws. Because of their sin they are separated from the one who is able to save. If then it is overwhelming to be in such spiritual darkness, if it is oppressive to be swamped by the bitter sea of pleasures, let us then receive Jesus. For this is what will deliver us from dangers and from death in sin. COMMENTARY ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 3.4. [1]

[1] LF 43:337-38**.

THE CHURCH IN THE STORM

AUGUSTINE: He fled alone to the mountain—the first begotten from the dead—because he has ascended above all the heavens and is interceding for us. [1] … But while he was above what were the disciples enduring in the ship below? For that ship prefigured the church while he is on high….

While they were sailing to [Capernaum], John tells us what happened to them. It became dark and Jesus had not come to them. It was right that John said it was dark, because the light [Jesus] had not yet come to them. As the end of the world draws near, errors increase, terrors multiply, iniquity abounds and infidelity escalates. Light, again, is love according to John. Whoever hates his brother is in darkness. [2] … The waves and storms and winds then that agitate the ship, are the clamors of hurtful speech and love waxing cold…. Nevertheless the wind, and storm, and waves, and darkness were not able to stop and sink the vessel. For the one who endures to the end shall be saved….

And how does Jesus come to the disciples? He comes walking upon the waves, keeping all the swellings of the world under his feet, pressing down all of humanity’s pride. And so it continues, so long as time endures, so long as the ages roll. Tribulations increase, all these swell and mount up: Jesus passes on treading upon the waves. And yet, so great are the tribulations that even those who have trusted in Jesus and who strive to persevere to the end greatly fear lest they fail…. But they open the gospel, they open the Scriptures and find all these things there foretold; that this is the Lord’s doing. He tramples down the heights of the world that he may be glorified by the humble. TRACTATES ON THE GOSPEL OF JOHN 25.4-7. [3]

[1] Rom 8:34.

[2] 1 Jn 2:11.

[3] NPNF 1 7:161-62**.

IN THE STORM OF THIS LIFE, WE NEED PRAYER

ISAIAH OF SCETE: Like a pilot steering a boat through the waves, one should hold to the course, guided by grace. Keeping his attention fixed within himself, he should commune with God in stillness, guarding his thoughts from distraction and his intellect from curiosity.

In storms and squalls we need a pilot, and in this present life we need prayer, for we are susceptible to the provocations of our thoughts, both good and bad. If our thought is full of devotion and love of God, it rules over the passions. ON GUARDING THE INTELLECT 23-24. [1]

[1] TP 1:27.