Jesus calms a storm Luke 8:22- 25
Imaginative Contemplation
Enter into the scene
I imagine I see Jesus asking his friends to take him across the Lake. He looks very tired as he climbs into the boat, and sighs as he sits down. He leans against the inside of the boat, enjoying the rolling motion caused by the gentle breeze. Before long, he is sound asleep. The others in the boat hardly notice this and continue their conversation about what Jesus had said and done that day.
The breeze was becoming a little wilder, and one of the men lost his hat when a sudden gust tore at his head. Soon the wind was strong and the waves were becoming choppy. Talking ceased as the men tried to steer the boat to the shore. But the gale turned the boat around, causing water to splash over the sides, and the sailors knew they were in trouble.
And there was Jesus, still fast asleep! In a panic, someone shook Jesus awake. ‘Master, Master! We are about to die!’ he exclaimed. Jesus stirred and shook himself awake. Seeing the situation, he stood up and shouted, ‘Wind! Be still!
Sea, be calm!’
Immediately the wind dropped and the waves subsided. Turning to his companions, Jesus said, ‘Oh my friends! Where is your faith?’ But they were amazed and frightened. Jesus seems to have authority not only over diseases and evil spirits, but even over the elements of nature. Yet he is, living amongst us!
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· Do I believe that Jesus is always with me, even when I do not sense his presence?
· Do I take the necessary time for rest and replenishment?
· What causes me to lose my calm?
· Do I trust that God can bring peace to me, to those I love, to our hurting world?
Prayer
Lord, increase my faith in your abiding presence. Help me to remember to call on you when life causes stress. May I accept your Easter gift of peace and spread it to all around me. Amen