Fear Not 220

Beloved brethren, gathered in the light of the eternal Word, let us ponder the sacred words from the Gospel of John, chapter six, verse twenty: 'It is I. Do not be afraid.' In the historical moment following the multiplication of the loaves, as recounted by the Evangelist, the disciples embarked upon the sea amid rising winds, their vessel tossed by tempests symbolizing the trials of this mortal life. The blessed Augustine, in his Tractates on John, observes that the Lord, walking upon the waters, reveals Himself as the Creator who treads upon the pride of the world, bidding the faithful to recognize His divine presence amid chaos. Drawing from the Catena Aurea, we hear Chrysostom expound that the disciples, mistaking Him for a phantom, trembled, yet the voice of the Master—'Ego eimi'—echoes the divine name revealed to Moses, dispelling fear with the assurance of His abiding I AM. Cyril of Alexandria further illuminates how this theophany strengthens the Church against persecution, as the sea represents the turbulent nations and the storm the assaults of the evil one. Thus, O children of the Early Church, cast aside your terrors, for He who fed the multitude now approaches to still the waves of doubt. In faith, we behold the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, wherein the Son of God manifests His power to save. Let this mystery fortify your souls, as the Fathers taught, that no tempest prevails against those who hear His voice. #FearNot220 #FearNotUNPLUGGED #128of220 #Catholic