The reading of the holy Gospel according to St. Mark

 

At that time, when it was late, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and Jesus alone on the land. And so forth.

Homily of St. Bede the Venerable, Priest

The toil of the disciples in rowing and the winds contrary to them signify the many labors of holy Church, which, under the waves of the opposing world and the wind of the unclean spirits strives to come to the quiet of the heavenly fatherland as to her true haven. Thus, it is well said that "the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the shore," because at times the Church of the Gentiles is not only afflicted by such great persecutions, but even disfigured, go that, if it were possible, the Redeemer would truly seem to have abandoned her for a time.

 

Whence is that voice of her who has been caught amidst the waves and storms of onrushing temptations and who cries for the help of His protection in mournful lament: "Why, O Lord, hast thou retired afar off? Why dost thou slight us in our wants, in trouble?" In like manner does she expose the voice of the persecuting fiend, adding in the following verses of that psalm: "For he hath said in his heart: God hath forgotten; he hath turned away his face not to see at all."

But He does not forget the prayer of the poor; neither does He turn His face from those who place their trust in Him. But He rather aids them who are struggling with their enemies to conquer, and He crowns them as victors forever. Wherefore it is also clearly stated that He saw them "laboring in rowing." Indeed, the Lord beholds them laboring in the sea, although He is on the shore. For though He may seem to defer for a time in extending help to those who are troubled, nevertheless He strengthens them in respect to their love lest they faint in tribulations. And at times He even frees them by his manifest help, overwhelming their adversaries and the rolling waves were walked upon and made calm.