The Gospel of Mark, chapter 4:39

When storms rage without and within, we often wonder “is God paying attention?’ We are so beset with fear that we tend to panic. In today’s scripture we learn of God calming the raging wind and sea. We learn that God, who created the boundaries of the earth, can remove the crashing seas that threaten us. We are drawn to consider that we are one with the Lord at all times and in times of trouble. This trust in the Lord steadies our ship and brings us peace in spite of troubles.

The apostles faced a mighty storm in today’s gospel account, and they became very impatient as they woke the sleeping Jesus, crying out: “doesn’t it matter to you that we are going to drown?”

At the command of Jesus, peace came to the turbulent sea and awe fell over the disciples. We can imagine how the apostles’ befuddled embarrassment was outstripped by the realization that all heaven opened up in their small sea vessel. Jesus, who had only moments ago slept peacefully on a leather cushion at the stern, brought them to the brink of God’s immense world. The apostles appreciated deeper the wisdom of God which is always near to those who trust in Him.

Our world is fraught with difficulties and pitfalls. As Christians we have to navigate through the treacherous waters of life. We have to travel this journey with courage, confidant that Christ is here whether or not we are mindful of Him. God’s people cannot expect to slip through life like small sail boats on perfectly, glassy seas. The good news is that God is right here, as close as a couple in bed, as yeast in bread or as blood coursing through the veins.

The fishermen of Brittany, before setting out to sea, are accustomed to offer a quiet prayer that is soaked through with trust: “Lord, the sea is so large, and my boat is so small, guide me through these troubled waters.” They have learnt to lean on the Lord before launching their boats.

Our world, at times, may seem like a lifeboat in troubled waters, which we are desperately trying to hang on to. We need the Lord, in times like that, to calm our souls just as he calmed the disciples on the Sea of Galilee.

Fr. Hugh Duffy