Join Nathan Hoff for A Voice from the Sacristy. We are in ordinary time and the gospel reading is from Mark 4.35-41, and could be titled “An Examen for Stormy Conditions.”
Jesus called his followers to go with him to the other side (Mark 4.35-37). It wasn’t their idea—it was his. You also have a call. A voice communicated someway somehow to you, “Follow me” and you did. Describe that call. Where is it? What ground is under your feet? What sea are you sailing in? Who is with you? How would you describe this season of the call?
How would you describe the conditions right now? Smooth sailing? Threatening clouds? Full-blown storm? The disciples woke Jesus up and asked him a question. Do you have a question for Jesus right now? How do you feel about asking him your deepest question?
Jesus has a rebuke, but it isn’t for his freaked out followers. The fury of his rebuke was unleashed on the storm. But, he did have a question for those with him, “Why are you so afraid?” Why are you so afraid right now? This question is not rhetorical or shaming. It is important to Jesus, and it is important for you to know. Why are you so afraid?
The disciples are left with a resounding question, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” How would you answer this question for yourself right now? Who then is this?
A Prayer from the 1789 US Book of Common Prayer:
THOU O Lord, who stillest the raging of the sea, hear; hear us, and save us, that we perish not.
O blessed Saviour, who didst save thy disciples ready to perish in a storm, hear us, and save us, we beseech thee.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
Christ, have mercy upon us.
Lord, have mercy upon us.
O Lord, hear us.
O Christ, hear us.
God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Ghost, have mercy upon us, save us now and evermore. Amen.
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