We have all had wave after wave of discomforts and spiritually felt like the disciples tossed around in the wind and waves. I have felt what it means to be close to death, fearing the end several times. How often have we forgotten that Jesus is awake within us and just a thought away? We know that the Holy Spirit’s gift of courage is in our every breath. We must continue to remind ourselves that unceasing prayer is necessary to melt significant distractions away. Sometimes our faith becomes as thin as a spider’s strand in these worst times, wavering in the wind but not entirely lost. In our defense, the disciples who could physically touch Jesus spent time discovering weakness without Jesus being awake.
Jesus Stilling the Tempest by James Tissot.
The full-resolution painting and more details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 4:35-41 – Scripture
Jesus Stills a Storm
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. 37 A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. 38 But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39 He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” 41 And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Mark 4:35-41 Reflection – Discovering Weakness Without Jesus.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Brooklyn Museum passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.