“Do you not care we are perishing”
What is the crisis in the Gospel reading? The crisis is the stormy sea. This is not just a simple storm. We can clearly see this because the Apostles, who are experienced fishermen, are so scared that they run to ask Jesus to save them.
Why do the Apostles run to Jesus? The Apostles had run out of human options. They tried everything they could think of and in their moment of desperation, run to the only one who can truly save them, Jesus. Is God always near you because you call upon Him every day? Or do you only call on Him when there is a crisis?
Discussion Questions
When crisis occurs in your life, how do you ask God for help?
Why do you think that people only run to God when there is a crisis?
What about crises and disasters that still happen? Like natural disasters?
This is one of the most asked questions or arguments from those who question the very existence of God. Those who claim that God does not exist would ask where God was when someone prayed during the natural disaster. Again, these are great questions and there is no one right answer simply because we are not God so do not know His reason why some things occur the way that they do. However, even though we do not see God’s full reason, we do know that there is one. Again, it is at this moment of crisis that we realize how vulnerable and weak we are. We realize that we have very little control and must learn to depend on God.
Today’s first reading is the story of Job questioning God and complaining about all the misfortunes that fell upon him. God rebukes Job and makes him understand that He is the one who is all powerful and places everything in its due course. “By thus showing Job his power and infinite greatness, God wanted to make him understand that man should not dare to argue with God and ask his reasons for acting as he does. Job was a just man and withdrew his protests, submitting himself to God’s unfathomable judgment.” [1] Job’s example demonstrates his complete trust in God as he flies to his heavenly Father for safety. We as Christians can run to God in the moment of great crisis.
A great prayer called the Memorare says, “I fly unto thee O Virgin of Virgins my mother.” We can be confident in running after our mother’s intercession in times of trouble. She will take whatever we bring to her and present it to her Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] Divine Intimacy pg. 58 Vol. III