A faith that is still immature
They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened. (Mk 6:52)
Then he made his disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side toward Bethsaida, while he dismissed the crowd. And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray. When it was evening, the boat was far out on the sea and he was alone on shore. 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. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out. They had all seen him and were terrified. But at once he spoke with them, "Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!" He got into the boat with them and the wind died down. They were (completely) astounded. They had not understood the incident of the loaves. On the contrary, their hearts were hardened. (Mc 6, 45-52)
The disciples of Jesus are baffled by recent events. Their hearts, not understanding the profound significance of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, no longer seem to be ready to follow Him without reserve. The same sign done by Jesus walking on the water arouses more wonder in them than devotion for the concern he has shown. It is a still immature faith, founded more on the sand of feeling than on the rock of a will laboriously achieved by responding to Grace and tenaciously defended. Let us pray that Jesus may transform our heart of stone into a heart of flesh.
