Mt 8:23–27
Jesus got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Without warning a fierce storm burst upon the lake, with waves sweeping the boat. But Jesus was asleep.
The disciples woke him up and cried, “Lord save us! We are lost!” But Jesus answered, “Why are you so afraid, you of little faith?” Then he stood up and rebuked the wind and sea; and it became completely calm.
The disciples were astonished. They said, “What kind of man is he? Even the winds and the sea obey him.”
REFLECTION
The Sea of Galilee lies between Mt. Hermon and the valley, north of Israel. A combination of cool air from the mountain and hot air coming at the head of the lake causes an unexpected storm. As always, Matthew likes to highlight the difference between and human frailty. The miracle narrates 1) the storm and the calm after the miracle; 2) the disciples’ panic with Jesus’ calmly sleeping; 3) his rebuke of the disciples and of the storm. (Bible.org)
Kyrie eleison is a pre-Christian plea for help (SOS). The disciples’ request was done out of fear not of faith. Thus, Jesus’ rebuke was meant to shoot two birds in one stone: the storm and the disciples’ weak faith. These are seasoned fishermen and they fear the demons of the lake in disguise of a storm. It’s understandable that they became frightened. If the disciples’ faith is shaken in spite of the Lord’s presence, can we, who don’t see him as the disciples did, be rebuked and faulted, if we ask him for help out of fear? The Lord understands us, but at the same time, he said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
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
