Tuesday of the
Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
(Amos 3:1-8.4:11-12; Matthew 8:23-27)
General George Marshall, the Army Chief of Staff during
World War II and subsequent Secretary of State, was renowned for his self-control. Upon sending a squadron of bombers into
combat, Marshall could take a nap without losing sleep over whether he made the
right decision. In today’s gospel Jesus proves
himself to be a person of even greater composure.
Jesus’ disciples are amazed that the sun and moon snap at
his command. It is almost as remarkable
that he could sleep in a small boat being rocked by a storm. But the story is meant to say more than Jesus
had extraordinary powers over nature. The
ship in the storm symbolizes the Church in its infancy being challenged in
every direction – persecutions on one side, heresies on the other. The sleeping Jesus represents the temptation
that Jesus is indifferent about what happens to his followers. But all they have to do is beseech his help
with prayer. He readily arises to save
them.
We too at times feel overwhelmed by the circumstances in
which we find ourselves. Perhaps we have
promised to do more than it now seems possible for us to accomplish. Then we have to find recourse in the Lord
Jesus. As he calmed the storm for his
disciples, he will assist us in our need.
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