Mk 4:35–41
On that same day, when evening had come, Jesus said to them, “Let’s go across to the other side of the lake.” So they left the crowd, and took him along in the boat he had been sitting in, and other boats set out with him. Then a storm gathered and it began to blow a gale. The waves spilled over into the boat, so that it was soon filled with water. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion.
They woke him up, and said, “Master, don’t you care if we drown?” And rising up, Jesus rebuked the wind, and ordered the sea, “Quiet now! Be still!” The wind dropped, and there was a great calm. Then Jesus said to them, “Why are you so frightened? Do you still have no faith?”
But they were terrified, and they said to one another, “Who can this be? Even the wind and the sea obey him!”
REFLECTION
READ: The disciples know from the Bible that only God has power over the sea. The first reading talks about the capability of Yahweh to control the sea, which is a prelude in understanding the symbolic meaning of the sea in the Jewish culture. Thus, in the gospel the disciples have good reasons to ask: “Who can this be? Even the wind and the sea obey him!” Such question is a manifestation of their experience of awe before the saving action of Jesus who rules the waves of the sea and thus reveals that he has the power of God. The second reading speaks of the new interior reality of the Christian – an invitation to be optimistic, not to look back on the sins of the past life but look forward and be guided by hope in the risen Christ.
REFLECT: This symbolic element of the sea includes other significant details which are rich in meaning and applications in our own personal and communitarian lives: the night (time and direction), the boat (the Christian community), the sleep of Jesus (death of Jesus), and the storm (difficulties and trials). Oftentimes, we just come and pray to God when we are already experiencing difficulties and we ask: Where are you Lord? He seems to be silent. But one who has faith in Christ does not come to him only when things go wrong. Let us remember that Jesus, even when asleep, was always with his disciples.
PRAY: Lord, we have been experiencing natural and man-made calamities; we are burdened and in pain. Amidst these experiences, you continue to give us each new day to pursue our journey. Help us find your blessings in the experience of storm in our lives and help us rise from our downfall, giving us the grace to see more deeply your calling for all of us! Amen.
ACT: Give time to count your blessings amidst the experience of difficulties and trials! Celebrate with a friend, break your routine and go for a dinner.
CLARETIAN COMMUNICATIONS FOUNDATION, INC.
8 Mayumi Street, U.P. Village, Diliman, 1101 Quezon City, Philippines
Tel.: (02) 921-3984 • 922-00-11 • 921-28-59 Fax: (02) 921-6205, 927-7429
Bookstore: (02) 924-6835
Email: ccfi@claretianpublications.com / cci@claret.org
Website: www.claretianpublications.com