Mark 4:35-41
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. 37 A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?
"They took Him as He was!"
This Sunday we are invited to reflect on our own relationship with Christ. How true is our faith and trust in Him?
Here are a few points to help us deepen our meditation.
After a long working day with numerous crowds, Jesus cares for His disciples’ rest by suggesting that they go to the other side of the lake. He cares for our rest today, provided we obey His recommendations.
The disciples care for Jesus as well. They saw Him working hard the whole day.
They prepare the boat and follow His suggestion. Consider this verse and see that Jesus was tired too and He needs rest.
Feeling tired, He sleeps at the back of the boat.
When the violent storm hits the boat, the disciples are terrified and wonder how Jesus can remain sleeping.
They run to Him asking for His intervention.
Jesus wakes up, rebukes the wind, it ceases and there is dead calm.
Jesus asks His disciples "Why you are afraid? Have you still no faith?"
We are invited to give enough time for each of these points, thinking that each of us is Jesus' disciple today. We are part of this whole event.
In troubles, do I think that He forgets me and is sleeping in the back of my boat?
Do I run to Him, asking for His help?
In His Presence, am I afraid, seized by fear, deception or despair?
Do I realize what He does to get me out of my storms?
Do I live moments of "dead silence,” taking time for admiration and thanksgiving for all His good deeds to me?
Let us reserve a seat for Jesus on our boat. He can help us overcome all kinds of risky storms. Be sure that He is with us, cares for us and intervenes to save us. Tired, He will cross with us to the other side. Have no fear when Jesus is on your boat!
