Then, in the fourth watch of the night, He came to them, walking upon the sea. (Mt 14:25)
τετάρτῃ δὲ φυλακῇ τῆς νυκτὸς ἦλθεν πρὸς αὐτοὺς περιπατῶν ἐπὶ τὴν θάλασσαν.
Quarta enim vigilia noctis, venit ad eos ambulans super mare.
The night guards had their shifts. Four o’clock was the last one, between 3 and 6 a.m. according to our timekeeping. In its symbolism, it means a time of struggle, reaching the limits of one’s strength. Anyone who has been awake all night knows that in the morning there is the greatest lack of strength, but at the same time there is hope for a new day. It is at this hour that the Lord comes. When you are at the end of your strength and endurance. There is some sense in the fact that He comes so late, because I can know my strength and helplessness, and above all, His closeness and salvation: Do not be afraid, I AM.
