I’m sometimes curious about the details that evangelists choose to include … There are two details that intrigue and somewhat amuse me in this reading. Listen to what Mark says “They took Jesus with them in the boat JUST AS HE WAS.” What is being left unsaid. Was Jesus half-asleep, half dressed, or still talking to the crowd? They took him JUST AS HE WAS. If only we could be that accepting of others – take them just as they are. Not merely tolerating them, their behaviors and their attitudes – their differences, their unique diversity. But, really, full-heartedly accepting them and their individualities; their differing values, experiences, styles, and activities that so often can create misunderstandings and frustrations. Key elements of our life may differ. For example: balance of life, work ethic, fair share division of chores. But, there need not be a right-wrong conflict – there are shades of gray and more than one way to be “right.”
It does, however, require awareness, sensitivity and a genuine effort to develop mutual trust and respect. Awareness is the first step. A true attitude of open-handed and heartedness will be needed not to bridge the generations but to blend the generations. Goodwill can cover a multitude of situations but it takes education and a sincere personal effort to make us ONE community in mind, heart and spirit. “They took Jesus just as he was.”
The other detail that I found curious is the passing remark that Jesus was asleep on a cushion. Why was it so important to point out He had a cushion? Makes it sound like not everyone had a cushion. Cushions often line the hull of the boat but when cushions are scarce, having a cushion implies respect and comfort, doesn’t it? Was Jesus sleeping like a baby, unaware of the turmoil around him. Or was he peeking through one half-open eye? Was his ear attentive to the murmuring about him and his seemingly uncaring attitude? I recall when my brother and I were preschoolers and under strict orders not to leave the room or disturb my mom who was resting on the living room couch. One day Bill tried in vain to get Mom’s attention. In desperation he went to her side to rouse her. No luck! So he pried open one eye lid and shouted in glee: “She’s still in there.! When the disciples had enough courage to rouse Jesus, they must have been equally gleeful. They are familiar enough to dare to wake him with words of reproach, questioning his care for them.
We are in the boat, the storms of life are raging around us, and like the disciples, we may believe that Jesus is unconcerned, or “sleeping.” We hope that we will be as familiar with Jesus as his disciples. If we feel that Jesus is sleeping, are we comfortable, are we as familiar with Jesus as the disciples, to rouse him and present to him our fears and concerns? Jesus did not scold his disciples for waking him. Rather he chided them for their lack of faith.
Storms don’t worry Jesus. He’s right there in the boat with us, perfectly calm, not impatient, in no hurry for a solution or relief. In fact, He has one ready to hand us but how often do we tell God how to do things and then fret that God is doing nothing because it isn’t happening as we proposed?
Our lived experience should teach us that we need to relax and take heart in knowing that Jesus isn’t scared of the storm. He isn’t depressed. He might be asleep, or he might not be, but either way, like the song says, “He’s got the whole world in his hands.” Even if we think that he doesn’t wake at our first call, we are safe with Him. Be alert! He’s going to straighten up and say to us: “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have so little faith?”
~Reflection by Sister Roberta Bailey, OSB
First Reading: Job 38:1,8-11 Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:14-17
Gospel: Mark 4:35-41
