As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. Matthew 8:23
As a child, I spent many happy summers by the ocean, where I learned to read its changeable moods and to have a deep respect for the power of the waves. As fishermen, the disciples would also have been skilled at reading the winds and the temperament of the waters. Therefore, they would probably not have ventured out if a storm were imminent. But storm it did, suddenly and violently, as waves swamped the boat! We can easily understand the disciples’ terror, even though Jesus was visible beside them.
Like the disciples, we, too, wish to follow Jesus. Like them, we, also, are challenged to remember that, no matter how turbulent and frightening the storms of our lives may be, no matter that Jesus may appear asleep or unresponsive, he remains present beside us, active and caring at every moment of our lives.
Sr. Chris Koellhoffer, I.H.M.
Originally published June 30, 2020
