When Storms Arise...

When evening had come, Jesus said to his disciples, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him. A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"  -Mark 4:35-41

Introduction
Storms play an important role in our lives and in the lives of our spiritual ancestors. Storms are a symbol of God's hand working in the world about us. But storms are also a symbol of the difficult times of our lives. This week we reflect on the role and place of storms in nature, in the bible and in our lives. 



Prayer
O Lord, make us have perpetual love and reverence for your holy Name, for you never fail to help and govern those whom you have set upon the sure foundation of your loving­kindness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. 



Reflection
Summer is a time for magnificent storms. The flash of lightening, the boom of thunder and lull of the rain all combine to create a symphony of nature that is unmatched by any human composer. We need refreshing summer storms because they wash away the grime and gunk that has built up over time. Our lives in God are no different, we need an occasional storm to cleanse the build up on our souls. 


What our gospel for this week calls us is to not be afraid when sudden storms pop up in our lives. Jesus' admonition to the storm, "Peace! Be still!" is an admonition to us as well. When storms arise in our lives we are called to realize that we do not travel the road of life alone. Jesus walks with us in many ways; through the beauty of nature, the smile of friends and the gathering of community. 


How do you deal with the storms life sometimes throw at you? Do you feel God's presence during those difficult times?



Spiritual Action
Take a moment to read the Gospel for this coming Sunday. Spend 5 minutes in silence reflecting on what you have just read. Reread the Gospel once more. Reflect on these questions:

• Who are you in the gospel story?
• How do you deal with sudden storms in life?
• When have you felt closest to God?
• Where do you practice being at peace in your life of schedules, deadlines and to-do lists?

This week take some time each day to create a place of quiet for at least five minutes.