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?”
Which of us does not tremble at the thought of eminent death? Perhaps we've all had the experience, or at least realized later how close we came to it. Humans are no less vulnerable than most animals; we can die at any moment, in any place. It can come quite suddenly, and many people "...never knew what hit them."
The best laid schemes o’ Mice an’ MenGang aft agley,An’ lea’e us nought but grief an’ pain,For promis’d joy! (To a mouse, by Robert Burns)
But we carry on as if....
In today's gospel the Lord laughs at his disciples for their little faith in him, his mission, and the Father who was directing them. Did they really suppose their purpose and mission might collapse before a tempest at sea? Is it possible that God's plan for the salvation of the world could be permanently, irreparably frustrated by high winds and stormy seas? Are you kidding me? Where is your faith?
We know we will die; it might happen today. And if it does, it will come as neither surprise nor setback to the Lord. So why do we worry? For ourselves? For myself?
"Build a bridge and get over yourself!"
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.