“Oblivious?”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Wednesday, July 26, 2023
Mark 4:35-41 (Forward, p. 89) CEV p. 1031
Sometimes we are overwhelmed by such difficulties or troubles that they literally seem impossible for us to cope with. And often, at such times, we feel utterly alone and helpless and wonder where God is ‘in all this.’ Indeed, sometimes it can seem as if God is absent—or asleep, as Jesus was in this little scenario.
And worse still—at least for me—is when I think that God has guided or ordered me into taking the step or steps that led to this predicament. Certainly, that was the case in this story. Jesus had explicitly told them to get into their boat and cross the lake to its east side. And so, it was His fault that they were ‘in this mess’—and He was doing nothing about it! A sudden windstorm had come up, which is quite ‘normal’ for the Sea of Galilee. Waves were splashing into the boat, and it was about to sink.
As far as they were concerned, this present storm wasn’t quite the ‘normal’ and they were rather worried. Indeed, experienced mariners that several of them were, they were convinced that they were about to drown. And here, obvious to it all, and seemingly uncaring, was Jesus, fast asleep in the back of the boat.
What never dawned on them was that if their surmising was indeed true, then Jesus’ life was also at risk. However, even so, He was resting peacefully, fast asleep, confident in His Heavenly Father’s care. The present troubles didn’t worry Him. His faith in God wasn’t sullied or impeded one little bit.
Anyway, when the frightened disciples woke Him up, Jesus immediately sized up the situation and dealt with it, calming the wind and waves with just a word. He then reproves them for being so fearful and not having faith in God, who certainly was able to handle this.
I’m afraid that often I’m ‘in the same boat’ (pun intended) as the disciples. I look at the world scene or events in Canada or closer to home or even in my own personal circle, and simply cannot see how God—or anyone else—could intervene and calm the storm and ‘fix things up.’ I’m afraid that
sometimes I, like the disciples, wonder if God is ‘asleep’. I wonder—heaven forbit--whether God is oblivious or uncaring or unable or powerless to ac. And so, lacking the faith to believe that He can. I don’t even ‘bother’ to go to Him in prayer about whatever trouble or difficulty there is. I guess I’m like the distraught father (see Mark 9:23-24) who once said to Jesus, “Lord, I believe, help thou my unbelief.”
Forward notes: “He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?’” (verse 40)
Commemoration: The Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary
“Today we remember the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary, grandparents to Jesus. I remember my grandparents and feel their presence. They are all with the Lord now, but they gave me good teachings that I try to pass on to my daughters.
“Jesus’s grandparents probably instilled love and good habits in their grandson. They must have been very special, as they were the parents of a unique woman that God chose as mother of his son. They were also human beings who experienced the gamut of emotions, including fear. Perhaps Jesus witnessed their fear on different occasions and was able to put them at ease, just as he ultimately does with the disciples. Like those who knew and loved Jesus during his time on earth, we can take comfort knowing that Jesus, who is both fully human and fully divine, understands all our emotions and can offer us strength, love, and even fearlessness.”
Moving Forward: “Did you know that Forward Movement donates books and Forward Day by Day to nursing homes, hospitals, and prisons? Support this ministry with your gifts. Learn more: ForwardMovement.org/Donate.”