Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time(Click here for readings)
A violent squall came up and waves were breaking
over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the
stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher,
do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the
wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and
there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do
you not yet have faith?”
Do you ever get sea sick? I know many people who do. Rough waves
turn the stomach inside out. A Dramamine patch saves a boat excursion from
turning into a nauseous nightmare......
The disciples, even as experienced fishermen,
became sea sick with fear as
they cried out: "We are perishing!" With Our Lord asleep, the squall didn't
seem to bother him. Yet, the disciples were in a panic. How could they
doubt for one second Jesus would not save them? Jesus woke up and
immediately calmed down the wind. Clearly, the disciples still didn't
understand what Jesus was capable of. The disciples needed to learn more
from their master and teacher.
Jesus, do you not care? Many times in our own
lives it feels like we are in the middle of a violent sea storm. Waves of fear
crash into our lifeboats. We think the situations we face will always be
rough. Violent winds blow around our doubts and insecurities. The
smell and taste of the seawater make us ill with regret and remorse. We
are angry that our lifeboat is covered with barnacles or constructed of rotten
wood. The idea of "walking the plank" comes to mind in our
deepest seaweed beds of despair. We believe and love God but in our
darkest moments think he doesn't care about us. It's like we're
shipwrecked, sinking into the ocean. We are marooned on a deserted
island.
Where is my God? My body aches and
pines for you! Do you not hear my prayers?
Quiet and Be Still With life's violent sea storms, we keep
sailing along until we see a lighthouse. It's the lighthouse of God.
We no longer have to fear the dark crashing waves. The intensity of
his light brings hope and protection.
God has cared for me all along! Have I been so
wrapped up in my own self pity that I've failed to recognize it?
In the gospel reading, Jesus commands the wind:
"Quiet! Be still!" We as followers of Christ
should be quiet and still. Pray to God for the strength to let go of our fears
and anxieties. Let negative talk silence itself. Ponder the words
of Christ in the deepest recesses of our heart, mind and soul. The quiet
allows us to reflect and meditate on our actions and inactions. Stillness
allows us to rest and rejuvenate. The sea of life can be a battle, but we must
remember God never leaves us alone to swim for ourselves. He is our
ultimate life preserver keeping us afloat.
Yes, I have faith! The disciples'
understanding of Jesus and his teachings appeared to be in the infancy stage.
Their faith was
growing but not fully matured. As Jesus' ministry progressed, the
apostles became stronger and wiser. Our own faith journey is a growth
process, too. One day we answer, "Yes, I have faith in Jesus
Christ!" The next day wonder how best we should live our faith. We cannot
live our faith fully if we hide behind a sand bar or drift off on a dingy
alone. We must immerse ourselves in the needs and concerns of others.
Bathe ourselves in the cleansing waters of Christ's love. Spread
that incredible love to all people, both friends and enemies alike. We
may be stung by a jelly fish or heavily sunburned from the hot beach sun but
this should not stop us from living and sharing our faith.
We
should practice the virtues of faith, hope, and love in good and bad
times. Don't allow the violent sea storms of life wipe away our intimate
bond with the Lord. Let us pray for quiet and peace on the seafront.
This meditation was written by Jennifer Burgin,
a convert to Catholicism. She is active in liturgical ministry at St. Joseph in
Richardson, TX. Please follow her blog: Jennifer's Spectrum of
Spirituality
Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteThat was a fantastic meditation!
Thank you Jennifer. I needed this.
ReplyDelete