On this Sunday, Jesus challenges us to have courage and do not fear when storms rise in our lives. Jesus is in the boat with us. The suddenness of life’s storms often catches us off guard. Nevertheless, we must call on Jesus and tell him our needs. 

Today, we encounter Jesus and his disciples in a boat on the sea. It seems to the disciples that Jesus, who is sleeping is untroubled by the storm going on around him. Jesus knows our troubles and is ready to help us in our deepest moments of need.

In this gospel, Jesus gets into the boat with his disciples. While they were on the sea, a storm breaks out and the disciples become afraid. Jesus was asleep when storm was pushing the boat. The disciples began to worry and to question Jesus’ concern for them. He arose from sleep and commands the storm to be still. 

Jesus is the calm in the midst of the storms of our lives. Jesus’ care for us is unquestionably the result of God’s love for the world. He rebukes the storms and says to us, peace! Be still. The power of Jesus’ words alone offers comfort to hearts that are weary and frightened. 

We are reminded that we cannot allow worry to disturb our faith. As my grandmother says, “if you’re going to worry don’t pray. If you’re going to pray, don’t worry.” Jesus is with us. Why are we afraid? For people of faith, the comfort of knowing the Jesus is with us is enough for us to endure the storms of this life.