Memorial of Saint Irenaeus
The gospel reading for today tells the story of Jesus calming the storm. Jesus and the disciples are in a boat on the Sea of Galilee when a great storm arises that rocks the boat and creates great waves. Jesus happens to be asleep at the time. In their fear the disciples wake Jesus up and tell him what is going on. Jesus responds to this by saying that the disciples are afraid because they do not have enough faith. What kind of faith could Jesus be talking about here? According to the notes to the New American Bible, the word translated in the passage as ‘of little faith’ is used only by Matthew, among Biblical writers. Matthew uses it to indicate the situation where the faith of those who are following Jesus is not as great as it should be. Although they have faith, that faith could be stronger.
The disciples are amazed to see that Jesus has power over the elements and the sea. For them, the power that Jesus demonstrates to calm the waters of the deep recalls God’s power over the raging seas (see for instance Psalm 89:10). This was a sign that Jesus was divine and that he understands himself to be God. Although the scene described here suggests a simple instance in which Jesus demonstrates his divine power, there is actually more going on in the passage. The notes to the New American Bible state that word translated in the passage as ‘storm’ is more literally translated as ‘earthquake’. It is used by Matthew to make reference to the coming of the Kingdom of God and its revelation in Jesus’ earthly ministry. The idea of a great storm or of God turning over history is a scary prospect as it was for Jesus’ disciples. However, we can be encouraged by the fact that Jesus consistently offers his help to get through it. The passage shows that Jesus has power over nature but also looks forward to the fact that he has power over sin and death as a result of his death and resurrection. Recognizing this should give us the courage we need to follow him and to pray that our faith will increase.
This latter point helps make sense of how the gospel reading relates to the first reading for today. Both readings deal with the revelation of God’s will and plan of salvation through his interaction with the people whom God has chosen—whether Jesus’ disciples in the gospel reading or Abraham and his family in the first reading. In the story of Abraham and Lot we see God as having power over heaven and earth and the capacity to righteously judge the activities of human beings. Like Jesus’ disciples, Lot is given an opportunity to respond to God and the revelation of God in history. Lot has the opportunity to respond to the shaking up of the world in a positive or a negative way.
In response then to the readings for today, each of us has the opportunity to prayerfully examine our faith lives. Is our faith as strong as it can be? Are we afraid of what will happen as a result of trusting Jesus, or do we follow him with our whole hearts?
- Joel Schickle