MARK 06:45-52
THE WALKING ON THE WATER
Text – Mark 6:45–52
45 Then he made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd.
46 And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray.
47 When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore.
48 Then he saw that they were tossed about while rowing, for the wind was against them. About the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. He meant to pass by them.
49 But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out.
50 They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, “Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!”
51 He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were [completely] astounded.
52 They had not understood the incident of the loaves; on the contrary, their hearts were hardened.
Historical and Jewish Context
After the miraculous feeding of the five thousand, Jesus sent His disciples ahead by boat and withdrew alone to pray. The Sea of Galilee was known for sudden storms caused by strong winds descending from the surrounding hills. The time described as the “fourth watch of the night” refers to roughly 3:00–6:00 a.m., a period associated in Jewish thought with divine intervention (Exodus 14:24–25). In Jewish tradition, only God possessed authority over the sea, symbolizing His sovereignty over chaos and creation (cf. Psalm 77:19; Job 9:8). Thus, when Jesus walks on the water, He reveals His divine nature. The disciples’ fear and misunderstanding show how they still perceive Jesus primarily as a teacher and wonder-worker rather than the Son of God.
Catholic Theological Perspective
From a Catholic theological viewpoint, this event manifests the divine authority of Christ and the necessity of faith amid fear. Jesus’ solitary prayer on the mountain prefigures His continual intercession for the Church, while His coming to the disciples during the storm symbolizes His saving presence amid life’s trials. The words “It is I” (Greek ego eimi) echo God’s revelation to Moses—“I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14)—affirming Jesus’ divine identity.
The disciples’ terror and astonishment reveal the tension between human weakness and divine revelation. Though they had witnessed the multiplication of the loaves, their hearts were still “hardened,” slow to grasp the fullness of God’s power in Christ. The calming of the sea when Jesus enters the boat mirrors the peace that faith brings to the soul. This episode serves as a spiritual allegory: the boat represents the Church navigating the storms of history, while Christ’s presence assures believers of safety and victory.
Parallels in Scripture
Exodus 14:21–31 – God parts the Red Sea for His people, revealing divine power over the waters.
Job 9:8 – God “tramples the waves of the sea.”
Psalm 77:19 – “Your path was through the sea, Your way through the mighty waters.”
Matthew 14:22–33 – Peter walks on the water toward Jesus but begins to sink.
John 6:16–21 – Jesus approaches the disciples on the sea and brings them safely to shore.
Key Terms
Fourth watch: The final division of the night, symbolizing hope and divine deliverance.
Walking on the sea: A sign of divine power and dominion over creation.
It is I: A theophany—God revealing Himself in Christ.
Hardened hearts: Symbol of spiritual blindness, an obstacle to understanding divine truth.
Catholic Liturgical Significance
This Gospel is read during Ordinary Time, especially in contexts emphasizing trust and divine providence. It highlights Christ’s presence amid fear, the importance of prayer, and faith in God’s saving power. In the liturgy, the Church recognizes this passage as a symbol of the Eucharistic and sacramental life—Christ continually enters the “boat” of the Church, bringing peace and stillness to the storms of life.
Conclusion
The account of Jesus walking on water reveals His divinity, His closeness to His disciples, and His power to calm both nature and human fear. Though storms may arise in life, faith in Christ transforms panic into peace. The disciples’ journey reflects the path of every believer—growing from fear and misunderstanding toward mature faith and recognition of Jesus as Lord.
Reflection
Do I recognize Christ’s presence in the storms of my life? When fear arises, He calls me to trust in His divine presence and power.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, You walk upon the storms of life and bring peace to troubled hearts. Strengthen my faith when I am afraid and help me to recognize Your presence even in darkness. Calm my soul as You calmed the sea, and let Your words, “Do not be afraid,” fill me with courage and trust. Amen.