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Gospel Reading for January 27, 2024 – Mark 4: 35-41
TO KEEP QUIET AND BE STILL
On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”
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It was really strange to see Jesus sleeping during a violent squall with waves breaking over the boat which was filling up with water. How could someone not be frightened or even just not be bothered at all?
Jesus taught his disciples a very important lesson in life: When we are faced with heavy problems, such as “when it rains, it pours,” it is the time TO KEEP QUIET AND BE STILL. Instead of panicking and worrying, we have to stop, gather our thoughts in prayer, and ask God’s Spirit to guide us as we plan our next course of action. What makes problems worse in life is thinking and feeling that we are alone and not strong and capable enough to solve them. We forget that God is always with us, and he will give us the strength and capability we need if we truly believe in Him!
Lord Jesus, with you in our vessel, we can truly smile at the storms of life!