To read the texts click on the texts: 2 Sam 12:1-7,10-17; Mk 4:35-41
The Gospel reading of today appears immediately after Jesus has
completed the Parable Discourse. It is commonly referred to as the miracle of
the calming of the storm. While this miracle appears also in the Gospels in
Matthew and Luke, the language of the disciples in Mark is harsh. In Matthew,
the disciples address Jesus as Lord, and their cry is a plea for help, much
like our “Lord have mercy” at the penitential rite. In Luke, like in Mark,
Jesus is addressed as “Master” but no allegation about his uncaring attitude is
made.
In Mark, the disciples allege that Jesus is unconcerned about them. Mark
also brings out the contrast between the agitated disciples and the serene
Jesus. Jesus is able with a word to calm the forces of nature, and suddenly,
there is a great calm.
The boat has often been seen as a symbol of Christianity. The
storm then would be the trials and tribulations that attack Christianity from
without. Jesus is present with his people even in the midst of all these
trials, even though sometimes it may appear that he is asleep and unconcerned.
He is able with a word to clam these forces, and so there is no need for
agitation and anxious care. We need to keep rowing and trust that he will see
us safely to the shore.