Today’s Gospel is a dear one to me–Jesus catching a much-needed nap in the boat while a storm rages that frightens the other occupants, his disciples. Wouldn’t it be nice to sleep so deeply in the midst of life’s roller coaster rides? Most of us are more similar to the disciples–we panic at the first sign of water in our boat.

What is it that scares you most? What frightens you so that you lay awake at night, unable to find peace? Does something paralyze you? I have a crazy fear of heights so I know that irrational terror that clutches at my throat and makes me stop dead in my tracks. What do you do when that happens? How do you find your centre again? The disciples knew. They called upon Jesus. They were slightly whiny about it–“Do you not care?” In their distress they had moved to blaming. At least they remembered who could help them. Help them, he did with three words: Peace! Be still! The sea and wind obeyed.

Who is this Man who makes even the wind obey Him? The disciples were filled with awe and yet a new fear may have crept over them. How on earth did He do that? Only Heaven knows. Why were they afraid though? Was it because He was asleep and silent? They could not hear or see that it was under control. God had this. Our faith is weak. We see it again and again both in Scripture and in life when we fail to stand in the calm of Christ’s standard. We have chosen Christ as our King but sometimes the storms of life leave us frozen, unable to completely trust that all shall be well. The Principle and Foundation of the Exercises ask us for an immense trust. They mention that we are to not hold on to riches or poverty, sickness or health, honour or dishonour, or a long life or short. We are to let it all go and live the life God created us for. It is our fear that mostly gets in the way, oftentimes tied in with our pride. If we live in consolation, we know Christ is near always. The disciples were in spiritual desolation, even though Christ was right in the same boat with them, they forgot Him in their fear. When they called out to Him, He was immediately there.

Do not let the storms in your life cast out your calm. Christ is there with his mantle over you. Believe it.

Peace,

Suzanne