"Why Are You Terrified, O You of Little Faith"

I am the disciple in the boat from todays Gospel.

The storm is raging. The waves are crashing, the wind is howling, and all I feel, is overwhelming fear. I’m gripping the wheel, adjusting the sails, running around trying to control a storm that is far bigger than me.

And then I look over, and Jesus is asleep.

If I’m honest, I don’t respond with faith. I respond with fear.

Like the disciples in today’s Gospel, I rouse Him. Not gently, but desperately.

Jesus, wake up! Don’t You see what’s happening? Don’t You care? We are drowning. I’m terrified. Why aren’t You doing something? Why are you letting us die!

I’m frustrated. I’m hurt. I’m so afraid. 

And then He opens His eyes. And as His peaceful gazes meet my frantic, panicked one, He simply says:

“Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?”

It all pours out. “Jesus I am terrified because what if the storm really does drown us and what if it’s too late now and what if….”

And Jesus responds, “Daughter, what if I already have it all under control, and you can rest now. 

Do you trust me enough to sleep in the boat? You don’t have to watch the waves, the wind or the storm. You don’t have to worry and wonder when it will end. 

Just let me do it for you. If I can rest here, so can you”

In my fear, I forgot.

I cannot control the wind. I cannot cannot calm the waves. I cannot stop the storm

But I can rest beside the One who can, and who WILL.

And maybe today, that is enough.