This Sunday, the Gospel of Mark testifies that Jesus has power over the forces of nature, such as the wind and the sea (Mk 4:35-41). The wind and the sea obey Jesus because they were made in and through Jesus – the Logos. St. John tells us, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made” (Jn 1:1-3). Understanding the supernatural power of Jesus’ divinity regarding nature, St. Paul also wrote to the Colossians, “The Son [Jesus] is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Col 1:15-17). Additionally, the Letter to the Hebrews explains, “In these last days he [God] has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. He is the reflection of God’s glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word” (Heb 1:2-3).
In the ancient world, various cultures and religions often personified natural elements such as the sea and the wind, worshiping them as gods or attributing divine characteristics to them. However, today’s Gospel of Mark tells us that Jesus has authority and power over and above all these gods. This demonstrates that Christians should have no fear or anxiety; we should live with true freedom of heart. Because to have the privilege to hear the Word of God is to hear God himself, and to believe in the Word is to believe in Jesus and vice versa. Therefore, we can pray for ourselves as well as for others who are suffering from extreme natural disasters, whether caused by the force of nature or by our human irresponsible exploitation of nature.
al event of Jesus calming the storm symbolizes the peace and security that faith in him can bring. It invites believers to be reassured that no matter how turbulent our lives may become, Jesus has the power to bring peace and hope. As this Sunday’s entrance antiphon cites, Psalm 27 reminds people of faith that “the Lord is the strength of his people, a saving refuge for the one he has anointed” (Ps 27:8).
Finally, another symbol that comes from today’s Gospel is the Church community where Jesus is present. It is the boat being tossed in the tumultuous waves of the world, and Jesus is present in her. Jesus is not asleep; he wants us to know that he is waiting for us to repetitively call on him ‘in prayer’ just as his disciples cried out, “Lord, we are going down!” When he hears our voice, cried out in humility and trust, all will be calm for us again.
Fr. Tien Cao
