Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea,
so that the boat was being swamped by waves;
but he was asleep.

Matthew 8:24

Matthew 8:23-27

Reflection

Jesus and his disciples board a boat, and while on it, a storm appears and begins to sink the boat. Jesus is sleeping, and the disciples wake him up to have him save them. Jesus asks why they are terrified, and rebukes the wind and waves; there is instant calm.

The disciples follow Jesus into a boat, and when tribulation strikes in the form of a storm, they run to him for assistance. This is partially done because he is with them, but in other ways simply because they are terrified and don’t have the faith they will be saved. We, too, willingly follow Jesus in our lives, yet when difficulties arise, we can forget he is with us and become full of fear.

Christ always walks with us in our troubles. We can keep the image of him sleeping in a sinking boat with us – our Lord will always protect us, and he remains calm even when we do not. Jesus is the anchor in our lives, keeping us rooted in him. He beckons us to not be afraid, but have faith – will you?

---

Saint of the Day

First Martyrs of the Church of Rome: died AD 64

In AD 64, the city of Rome was set on fire, with most of it burning. The fire was most likely set by Emperor Nero, but blamed on the Christians. Many Christians were subsequently martyred. First Martyrs of the Church of Rome, pray for us!