The Calming of a Storm at Sea

Today's Reflections

The Calming of a Storm at Sea

Mk 4:35-41
 

35[One] day, as evening drew on, [Jesus] said to [his disciples], “Let us cross to the other side.” ³⁶Leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. ³⁷A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. ³⁸Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

39He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. ⁴⁰Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” ⁴¹They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

Reflection:

Do you not yet have faith? Though seasoned fishermen, the disciples panic when they meet a violent squall at sea, such that waves are breaking over the boat and it is already filling up. They are terrified and worried while Jesus stays asleep. And they complain, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus pinpoints the reason for their fear: the disciples are still lacking in faith.

With Jesus, even when he seems to be asleep, there is nothing to fear. Because Jesus stands by us, we feel strong and secure, blessed and at peace. After all, before we ask or cry out, God already knows our needs. 

And God will satisfy the longings of our hearts, clarify our doubts, solve our toughest problems, and heal our serious hurts. God will silence the turbulent storms in our lives.

In the face of personal storms, deep troubles, and numerous hurts, Jesus calls you to trust:

“Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”