The fourth watch of the night is referenced in our Gospel and so we were told: “During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea.” The fourth watch comes from the Roman dividing of the night into four parts. Each watch constitutes a period of three hours and the four of them stretch from 6pm-6am. The fourth watch is the period of time lasting between 3am and 6am and it represents the most important of the watches for it leads the way to the conclusion of night, the coming of dawn, and thus the sun which brings forth light which illuminate the darkness.
The fourth watch represents a period of waiting and anticipation. We have passed through three other watches and have yet to arrive at the ultimate destination of dawn. During this stretch of time we know that all is pitch black and after awhile we may even start to question if there is the hope to bring forth light. Through the experience of time we know that this hope springs forth from the darkness of night no matter how dark and long this period of time may seem to be.
In our Gospel we know that there was a great storm which beat about the boat containing the apostles. It would of been possible for Christ to come in any of the watches of the night, but he chose to come during this fourth and final watch. It was during this stretch of time that the apostles’ faith was been tested. After awhile it may even of seemed as if there was no hope in store for them to have this stormed calmed.
Nevertheless, “during the fourth watch of the night, He came toward them walking on the sea.” We are told concerning them that that “they were terrified,” but our Lord instructed them from the midst of His compassion and mercy: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Later our Lord would question Saint Peter: “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
The fourth watch of the night should be something that is familiar to each of us. On rare occasions I find myself waking up in the middle of the night looking at my phone to see that it is only 3am. The night still draws on and sometimes it can seem as if it is an eternity that lies before me. So to in this world in which we live there are many who find themself in this fourth watch of the night. I think of the poor souls in Beirut who recently experienced an explosion. In a matter of time so many lives have been changed forever. I think of those throughout the world who anticipate life returning to normal from the effects of COVID-19. At times it seems as if that time will never come.
We must be people of faith. We must come to place our trust in the merciful hands of the Lord. “During the fourth watch of the night” He will come towards us to usher in the dawn which brings forth light to illuminate the darkness. We should remember the period of mourning that was felt as our Lord was crucified upon the cross, but be filled with hope at the Good News of His Resurrection which brings forth a great light. Despite all that we endure in this life may we remember all of this with the spirit of faith and hope placed in the Lord. Despite all that we endure in this fourth watch of the night He consoles us and says “take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.
