we may excuse the disciples for saying this because they were frightened by the waves and the wind that threaten to inundate and submerge the boat they were on. What they do not realize is that Jesus is also in the boat with them. And so, He scolds them: "Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?"
By the mere fact that they just address Jesus as 'Teacher', and not 'Lord', means that as of this point, they only know Jesus as a man. That is why after witnessing the calming of the storm, they are awestruck and they wonder: "Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?"
This Gospel account is an invitation for us to put our complete trust in Jesus. At times, we feel that Jesus is asleep, that He does not care. Yet we have to always remind ourselves of His solemn promise: "I am with you always until the end of the age" (Mt 28:20). Simon Peter never forgot this lesson and later in his first Letter he urges the Christians to ʺcast all your anxieties upon Him, because He cares about youʺ (5:7)
There is a story about a ship crossing the ocean. A little girl is seen playing alone on the floor along the hallway. A big storm suddenly breaks out. Strong winds and big waves begin to shake the vessel violently. Passengers scramble to take hold of life jackets and ensure their safety. But the girl seems unperturbed by the commotion, impervious to the danger at hand. One passenger managed to approach her and ask, "Little girl, are you not afraid that we are in great danger?" The girl calmly replied, "No. I'm not afraid. My father is the captain of this ship. If there is real danger, I am sure that I am the first one he will pick up."
The Church is traditionally depicted as a big boat. Though the sea is fraught with all kinds of danger and trouble, this boat is always safe and will reach its final destination. This is because Jesus is the captain at the helm. He will never abandon this ship. At times, He seems to be asleep during those crucial moments, not because He does not care or is negligent, but because He wants us to trust Him.
When problems and misfortunes come, may the words of St. Padre Pio give us strength and courage: "Jesus is with you even when you don't feel His presence. He is never so close to you as He is during your spiritual battles. He is always there, close to you, encouraging you to fight your battle courageously. He is there to ward off the enemy's blows so that you may not be hurt."
Fr. Antonius David Tristianto, O.Carm.
St. Anne's Church
Tel: +852 2813 0206
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