Lessons From the Storm

Mark 4:35-41

In today's sermon, Father Mark reflects on the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus calms a violent storm while his disciples panic. He draws a parallel between this biblical event and his own personal experience with anxiety during a trip to Spain in 1975.

Father Mark shares how, as a young man, his sense of self-worth was deeply tied to external validation, leading to feelings of insecurity and fear of losing control. During a particularly anxious moment, he had a profound realization that peace and self-worth come from within, grounded in faith, rather than from external circumstances.

Father Mark further explores how Jesus' calming of the storm serves as a metaphor for finding inner peace amidst life's tumultuous events. He suggests that Jesus' questions to the disciples, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" should be seen not as accusations but as invitations to deepen one's faith and trust in God.

By reflecting on these questions, we can understand the importance of being centered in God rather than being swayed by external forces. Father Mark emphasizes that true peace comes from within and that faith allows us to respond calmly to life's storms, just as Jesus did.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.