April 17, Saturday Easter Weekday

Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place ourtrust in you.-- Psalm 33:22

Mass readings: Acts 6:1-7 / John 6:16-21

Only God Walks on Water

I had rented a cabin at Lake Yellowstone in Yellowstone National Park during the great fires of 1988, when many smaller fires eventually combined into one great conflagration, affecting about one-third of the park. One night the blazes were sucking in so much oxygen that the winds howled, and wave upon wave of the usually placid lake crashed onto shore. You wouldn't dare to take out a boat.

In today's Gospel, the disciples are struggling in their boat during a mighty storm on Lake Galilee. Jesus comes walking to them on the water. Only God walks on water. God ''treads upon the crests of the sea'' (Job 9:8). Calming the disciples' fears, Jesus reassures them, ''It is I,'' a good rendering into English. In John's Greek, however, Jesus says, ''I AM,'' God's proper name.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we know that You are God. Save us this day from evil.