“Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”
Mark 4:40
I’m sometimes intrigued about the details that evangelists choose to include. For instance, in today’s Gospel Mark says “They took Jesus with them in the boat JUST AS HE WAS.” If only we could be that accepting of others – take them just as they are. Not merely tolerating their presence, their behaviors, and their attitudes – their differences. But really, full-heartedly accepting them and their individuality.
Different values, experiences, styles, and activities can create misunderstandings and frustrations. There need not be a right-wrong conflict – there are shades of gray and more than one way to be “right.” It will, however, require awareness, sensitivity, and a genuine effort to develop mutual trust and respect. Goodwill can cover a multitude of situations but it will take education and a sincere personal effort to make us ONE in mind, heart, and spirit. “They took Jesus just as he was.”
We are in the boat together. The storms of life are raging around us, and like the disciples, we may believe that Jesus is unconcerned, or “sleeping.” We hope that we will be as familiar with Jesus as his disciples. If we feel that Jesus is sleeping, are we comfortable, are we as familiar with Jesus as the disciples, to rouse him and present our needs and concerns? Jesus did not chide his disciples for waking him. Rather he chided them for their lack of faith.
Storms don’t worry Jesus. He’s right there in the boat with us, perfectly calm, not impatient, in no hurry for a solution or relief. He has one ready to hand us but how often do we tell God how to do things and then fret that God is doing nothing because it isn’t happening as we proposed? Our lived experience should teach us that we need to relax and take heart in knowing that Jesus isn’t scared of the storm, he isn’t depressed. He might be asleep, or he might not be, but either way, like the song, says, "He’s got the whole world in his hands." Even if he doesn’t “wake up” at our first call, we are safe with Him. He’s going to wake up and say to us: "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have so little faith?"
Today’s Reflection is by:
Sister Roberta Bailey
Did you know…
Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB, is currently the prioress (president) of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida in Saint Leo. Sister serves on the diocesan Commission for Religious. She is the former principal of St. Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio, Florida, and Saint John Paul II Catholic School in Lecanto, Florida. Sister Roberta is celebrating her 61st year in religious life.
