Homilies
Who is this man, that even the wind and the waves obey him?
Holy Spirit take my words and speak to each of us according to our need.
There are moments in life when the storms rage around us—times of crisis, uncertainty, and fear. Sometimes those storms are literal, like the storms of recent months, but more often, they take the form of personal struggles: illness, financial or work worries, relationships which are fractured in some way, or grief. In today’s Gospel reading, we encounter Jesus’ disciples caught in a storm—an overwhelming, terrifying storm that threatened to sink their boat. Their reaction is one we can all relate to: panic, fear, and doubt. But in this story, Jesus teaches us three powerful lessons about faith, trust, and the difference His presence makes in our lives.
The disciples were experienced fishermen, accustomed to the unpredictability of the Sea of Galilee. Yet, this storm was unlike any other they had seen before and their skills seemed not to be enough – the storm was beyond their control, and they feared for their lives. In their distress, they cried out to Jesus, who was sleeping peacefully in the boat. – Master, we are perishing! Perhaps we have felt a similar response our own trials. – One step too far, too much, there is no way back. Jesus' response is striking. He rises, rebukes the wind and waves, the storm ceases, and there is calm again. Jesus responds to the disciples by asking them ‘Where is your faith?’ -he was teaching them—and us—that faith is not about the absence of storms, but about trusting in Him even when the storms are raging. True faith looks beyond the immediate chaos of the situation and believes that Christ is in control.
One of the greatest struggles in life is getting caught up in the intensity of the moment. When storms arise, fear can blinker us from the bigger picture. The disciples could only see the wind and the waves, but Jesus saw beyond the storm. He knew they would make it to the other side because He had already said, "Let us go across to the other side" When Jesus gives us His word, we can trust Him, even when the circumstances seem bleak and we cannot see the bigger picture. We must learn, just as the disciples had to, to live beyond the moment. Life’s difficulties can feel overwhelming, but they are not the final word. A job loss is painful, but God provides. A health crisis is frightening, but God sustains. A broken relationship is heartbreaking, but God restores. We may not always see immediate relief, but we can trust that God is leading us through. The pain and suffering are real but that’s why Jesus came to us in human form. He suffered too, he felt physical pain, he was tempted, he lost his life……he understands how hard it is to be human but he also offers us more.
Jesus never promised that we would be spared from difficulties. In fact, He tells us, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). The promise is not that the storms will never come, but that He will be with us in the storm.
Going back to the gospel story for today, notice where Jesus is. He is in the boat with the disciples. He is not watching from the shore or calling out instructions from a distance. He is in the midst of the storm, sharing in their experience. The same is true for us. When we face hardships, we do not face them alone. Have you ever been in the middle of a situation where people say to you something like – ‘ I can’t believe how well you are handling things?’ yet, you know that as difficult as things are, you feel perfectly at ease with the situation….. that is the peace Jesus offers us, peace beyond all understanding.
Sometimes, Jesus calms the storm around us. Other times, He calms the storm within us. Either way, His presence is our anchor. His peace does not necessarily mean the absence of trouble but the assurance that we are held securely in His hands.
Before I finish, I would to suggest 5 small practical ways in which we can respond to the teaching of todays Gospel.
Prayer as Our First Response
In times of struggle, let prayer be our first response, not our last resort. Just as the disciples called out to Jesus, we must cry out to Him in prayer when we are overwhelmed.
Anchor Yourself in Scripture
God's Word is full of promises that remind us He is in control. Verses like Philippians 4:6-7 tell us to present our requests to God, and His peace will guard our hearts and minds.
Take Support From Your Church Family
Storms can be isolating, but we are not meant to go through them alone. Surround yourself with fellow believers who can support and pray for you.
Practice Gratitude
Even in trials, there are things to be grateful for. Gratitude shifts our focus from what is wrong to what God is doing in our lives. Try and find at least three things each day that you can be grateful for.
Take Small Steps of Faith
Trusting God in the storm doesn’t mean we that have all the answers or that we should ignore reality. It means taking one step at a time in faith, knowing He is guiding us back to the right path, even if we wobble or stray on the way.
As we reflect on the miracle in today’s gospel, let us remember that storms will always continue to come. Jesus never said otherwise. But He does know there is the other side to get to and he promises that He will never leave us nor forsake us.
When the waves rise, let us pause to respond with faith rather than react in fear. Let us look beyond the moment, trusting in God’s bigger plan. And most importantly, let us turn to Jesus, who alone can bring peace in the midst of life’s tempests.
So, whatever storm you may be facing today, take heart. They are real storms, allow yourself to feel and accept their turmoil and pain but also remember, Jesus is in the boat with you, and His words still echo through the ages: "Peace! Be still!" Amen.