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2 Samuel 12:1-7A, 10-17
Psalm 51:12-13, 14-15, 16-17
Mark 4:35-41
Summary
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?"
Reflection
Reflecting on this Gospel, I am reminded of the numerous times I have felt
scared, as the disciples did, fearing the wind and the sea. It brings to mind the
recent windstorms that we had here in Pasadena. What a powerful act of God
and just how scary it was to be in the middle of it.
I can think of so many times I have been scared, felt alone and so utterly vulner-
able. After all, that is what makes us human, right? Without experiencing these
feelings, I wouldn’t be able to empathize with those that have been in similar
situations or have compassion for those that have experienced losses much
much greater than I could even imagine. That’s the beautiful thing about being
human.
On the other hand, if I were to put it into perspective remembering that God is
with me always and if I trust in him and walk beside him during my journey, there
is nothing I need to fear. When I’m terrified, as the disciples were, I need to
pose this question, “Do I not yet have faith?”
Knowing myself, this is not something that can or will come easily. Perhaps I can
take baby steps as I embark on this New Year and remember why I am really here
and what my ultimate goal is at the end of my journey.
Prayer
Lord, God Almighty, you have brought us safely to the beginning of this day. De-
fend us today by your mighty power, so that we may not fall into any sin, and that