This well-known “miracle” in Mark’s gospel occurs during the evening passage of Jesus and his disciples across the Sea of Galilee, leaving crowds of people on one shore, to venture across “the lake” to the other side.
It is apparent that Jesus was intent not only upon teaching the crowds, but also reinforcing the faith of his own disciples, who still needed further convincing.
As declared “believers,” Vicky and I are reminded from time to time of deeds that Jesus performed which stretches our credulity as rational thinkers. The disciples, at this point in their relationship with Jesus, experienced similar doubts.
The Sea of Galilee is particularly susceptible to sudden, violent storms because of its location near narrow mountain passes where cool air clashes with the hot, humid air over the water. This environment gave Jesus the opportunity to test his disciples under game, i.e. life-or-death, vs. practice conditions.
Here is Jesus, asleep on a cushion in the stern of the boat, testing their faith. His calm demeanor not providing sufficient reassurance, he invokes meteorological intervention, and rebukes them for their lack of faith.
A number of years ago our faith was tested when one of our daughters was diagnosed with cancer, a revelation that no parent is ever fully prepared to accept. The darkness of that moment was overwhelming for us.
With daily prayer by our family members, as well as participation in a deeply moving Novena experience with our Roman Catholic friends, her treatment proved to be successful. She passed her five-year cancer-free milestone two years ago.
We are thankful for this positive outcome, made possible by skilled medical care and an undying faith in the presence of the Lord in our lives.
—Curt and Vicky Young
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