Today’s Gospel from St. Mark is one I have prayed with often and that most are familiar with. The disciples are in a boat with Jesus when a violent storm arises. The terrified disciples wake the sleeping Jesus asking him to save them. Jesus replies “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” He then rebukes the wind and the sea “and there was great calm.”
We get so disturbed by so many things, little and big. When we do, Jesus asks “Do you have faith? … Do you trust my heavenly father? … Do you believe I am with you?” As I sat with the passage what I heard was “By all means, do what you can do to address whatever it is that is disturbing you, whatever the issue is. BUT do it secure in the knowledge of my presence. Do it with confidence and love and wisdom. And do it with my guidance.”
Shortly after I sat reflecting on this morning’s passage, I came down to my computer and saw this picture on my Facebook feed:
Well, Jesus is there all the time to give a hug, acknowledge our difficulties and remind us it is going to be OK. And the “pearl of great price” he has to offer is way more valuable than chocolate and six million dollars.
The message is the same, over and over again: Be not afraid. I am with you always.
Creo en Dios! 