Our Gospel this week is Mark 4:35-41, taken today from the English Standard Version (ESV).
On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. And other boats were with him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
The disciples are frightened by the storm, as any of us would be. We are afraid of situations we can’t control and the power of nature is a prime example that we are not in charge here. Even with Jesus there in the boat with them, they are fearful. However, Jesus is unconcerned, napping on the deck.
They awaken Him with the accusation “Don’t you care?” Of course He does, and He calms the storm. Then He asks them “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?” As we often do, they had a hard time connecting their faith to the situation they faced.
How can we have the peace that Jesus has? We can if we are connected to God through Him and make faith our first thought in everything we do. Jesus spent time with God in prayer and that was the source of His strength. We can have the same assurance and peace if we make God the center of our lives and do all things in His name.
Gracious God, we know that You care for us and want only our good. Help us to live in faith, sharing Your love with each other every day. Amen.