The Gospel for this Fifth Sunday after Pentecost is from Mark 4:35-41, the occasion when Jesus calms the storm on the Sea of Galilee. Let us notice two key points: 1) the reactions of the disciples and 2) the identity of Jesus.
First, we see the followers of Jesus were often weak and fearful. Despite all His teachings and His miraculous healings, they continue to lack confidence and be afraid. Although some of the disciples were experienced Galilean fishermen, the windstorm on the water scared them. Their weak faith was shaken, and they panicked. They even accused Jesus of not caring for them enough. And when He responded by calming the storm, they became fearful in a different way- afraid of His mysterious power over the great forces of nature.
Secondly, the story tells about who Jesus is. He is a wise teacher, and He is a great healer of human afflictions. But in this account, we see that Jesus is also much more than a teacher and a healer. He is more than human. He shares the divine essence and has authority over the natural world. He rules over the wind and the sea. His power over nature points to His unique identity. He is God the Son come in human flesh. Through His divine power, He overcomes the fallen condition of this world and defeats sin, death, and the devil. He cares for His followers and delivers them. He offers them peace in a turbulent world.
The two points of today's Gospel still apply to us as Christ's followers. First, like the first disciples, we are often still fearful and lacking in faith. We are frightened of many things, and the remedy for such fear is real faith or trust in Christ. Secondly, as Christians, we recognize who Jesus really is. We trust that He is more than a teacher or healer. We rejoice to see Him and trust Him as God the Son in the flesh. He has power over creation, over even the wind and the waves. He cares for us, and He can deliver us from death and destruction! Through His abiding presence, He can bring us true peace!
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