In John 6:16-21 we come across one of the several New Testament stories of Jesus associated with a boat on the sea. In this one, the Apostles sail on a boat trying to follow and join Jesus. As they were sailing it got dark and the waves became rough, because a strong wind hit the lake (John 6:18). As always the apostles panicked and were terrified. The Lord then appears to them walking on the lake. As he enters the boat, they are comforted and assured and the storm is calmed. As soon as the Lord joins them, the evangelist John tells us, “The boat immediately reached land towards which they were going” (John 6:21). This story clearly highlights the divine powers of Jesus. It confirms in the heart and mind of the reader the basic Christian doctrine that Christ was not merely and only a good rabbi or a wise teacher. Rather, Christ is God, the Savior and Redeemer.

Today, however, I would like to invite you to re-read the story focusing on certain details that may have some relevance in our life today, to which you may not have paid attention when you read the story for the first time. First, and foremost, it is interesting to emphasize that the Apostles were seeking the Lord. In fact, never in the New Testament do we read about Jesus “strategizing” how to lure or attract the “crowds” to His message. Obviously, our Lord had a plan to execute, which was how effectively to preach the Gospel, the terms of the new covenant that He came to establish and seal. The plan, however, was not how to change the contents or the “focus areas” of the message to make it more appealing or pleasing to His audience so He may win their approval. The Apostles and the early Christians understood this very well. It is because of this that we find them constantly seeking Christ, even when His message might have seemed harsh and disapproving of their tradition or practices. They continued seeking Him even when that meant crossing seas, traveling from town to town on foot, or climbing mountains and, in one case, the roof of a house! It is the determination of a person who knows his/her life depends on the Lord.

As strong as the storm was, and as dangerous as the waves of the sea might have been, those who were seeking the Lord achieved their objective. They found the Lord and were in His presence. One should notice the final verse in the paragraph which boldly concludes the story saying “and immediately the boat reached the land towards which they were going.” The moral of the story is very obvious, isn’t it? Those who truly seek the Lord in this world, and persevere in their pursuit, no matter how difficult the journey may be, they will find Him. Being with the Lord for a Christian, by definition, means reaching one’s destination in life.

In a market-controlled society, where the value of everything in our life is measured by its demand and popularity, I wonder how important is the message of the gospel. How many of us would travel long distances, climb mountains and cross the sea to be in the presence of the Lord? In a world where the “customer is always right” and the church is seen merely as a vendor of social and cultural activities which is in constant need of financial resources, how marketable is the message to “pray for your enemy” or “do this in remembrance of me” or “honor your parents” needless to say the harsh sounding command “deny yourself and follow me”?  The question is, are we aware of the fact that our life and eternity depends on finding the Lord and being with Him? Are we willing to be on the journey and persevere until we find Him and rest in Him?

Traditionally, the part of the church building where the faithful congregate to pray is known as the “Nave” from a Latin word meaning “ship.” It is interesting to note that our Church Fathers view our life as Christians on this earth as a journey back to God. The vessel, or boat, in which we journey is our Church. Through her various liturgical, spiritual and social programs the Church tries to encourage us and strengthen our will to join the boat and persevere in her journey. The destination is the shores of eternity.

This Lent, please think of ways you can strengthen our ship here in Holy Martyrs and make sure that we all continue to sail in the right direction and to offer what is essential in the journey to the Kingdom of God.

Yours in Christ,

Fr. Vahan Hovhanessian