Calm in the Storms of Life

Calm in the Storms of Life - 
A Reflection on todays Lectionary Readings:
Job 38:1-11;  Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Mark 4:35-41

Friends, I thought for today, and possibly for a few weeks I might preach from the lectionary passages that are set for today which come from Job, Psalms, 2 Corinthians, and the Gospel of Mark. It is perhaps stating the obvious that we are living in troubled times. Turning on the news makes this immediately evident.  And in the midst of these troubled and tumultuous times today's scripture readings invite us to deepen our understanding of God's presence in the midst of life's tumultuous waves, urging us to trust in the unsearchable wisdom and boundless love of God, the Divine Mystery, the Creative Intelligence behind all life.

In Job 38:1-11 we read of a moment of divine revelation as the Divine Voice speaks to Job out of the whirlwind. In the preceding chapters of what is in effect an extended parable, the anonymous writer of the book of Job has been wrestling, through the character of Job, with the suffering and injustices we all see and face in the world. At this point in a very carefully crafted book, the character of Job demands answers from God. I think we all get to this place at some point in our lives:  “If someone is in charge, why is life unfolding in the way that it is.” Yet, when the Divine Voice finally responds to Job’s demand, it is not with explanations, but with questions that reveal the limits of our human understanding when faced with the mystery of life. 

 "Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.
Who determined its measurements--surely you know! Or who stretched the line upon it?  On what were its bases sunk, or who laid its cornerstone, when the morning stars sang together and all the heavenly beings shouted for joy?

In this passage, the anonymous Jewish Wisdom writer, is essentially calling his readers to a posture of humility and awe before the mystery of God, the mystery of our world and the universe and the Mystery of Life itself. It reminds us that our finite minds cannot fully grasp the Deeper Wisdom that orders all things. As we meditate on the Divine questions to Job, the writer invites us to surrender our need for control and certainty, embracing instead a posture of trust and reverence.

Turning to Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32, we hear the psalmist giving thanks to God for delivering those in distress. This passage celebrates God’s steadfast love and mighty works. Particularly powerful is the imagery of sailors witnessing God’s wonders in the deep, and crying out to the Lord in their trouble, finding peace as God stills the storm. This is imagery that resonates deeply with our Gospel passage today, where Jesus calms the storm. It is clear that the writer of Mark’s Gospel had this Psalm in mind. 

In our spiritual journey, we can relate to these sailors. The storms of life, whether external or internal, challenge our sense of peace. Yet, it is through these very storms that we experience the profound presence of God. In our deepest distress, when we cry out from the depths of our soul, there is always the opportunity to become open to the deeper reality of the Divine within us, and in awareness of that infinite unchanging Presence within to experience a profound peace that transcends understanding.

Turning to the Epistle reading, in his second letter to the Corinthians 6:1-13, the apostle Paul speaks of the hardships he has endured for the sake of the Gospel—afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, riots, labours, sleepless nights, and hunger. Yet, he urges the believers in Cornth to open wide their hearts.  In verses 11-13 he writes "We have spoken frankly to you Corinthians; our heart is wide open to you. There is no restriction in our affections, but only in yours. In return—I speak as to children—open wide your hearts also."

In these last words, Paul summarises much of the Christian Journey, which is a journey towards greater and greater openness of heart, known in the contemplative tradition as "enlarging the heart". It is a call to vulnerability, and to learn to love without reservation, even in the face of suffering. As we open our hearts to God's love, we are empowered by God’s Love to love others more deeply and more genuinely, reflecting the boundless love and compassion of Christ. This passage calls us to reflect on our own spiritual journeys with the understanding that personal and spiritual growth often comes through trials and difficulties.

Finally, turning to Mark 4:35-41 we arrive at the dramatic scene in the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus calms the storm. The disciples, terrified by the wind and waves, cry out, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" Jesus responds by rebuking the wind and commanding the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And in response to the command of Christ, the storm ceases, and there is a great calm. And Jesus asks his disciples "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" Those words are not just directed to the disciples in the story, they are directed to each of us when we find ourselves in the midst of the storms of life:  "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?"

This story is rich with inner meaning. The storm represents the tumultuous challenges we face, both in the world and within our hearts. Jesus’ command, “Peace! Be still!” speaks to the power of Divine Presence to bring peace to our deepest fears and anxieties.  Through prayer and meditation, we learn to hear the Divine Voice voice speaking within our hearts, "Peace! Be still!" calming our fears and strengthening our faith.

And so, as we reflect on these passages today, may we embrace the mystery of the Divine Presence with us and within us as we come to rest ever more deeply in God’s Wisdom and Love. Like Job, may we stand in awe before the Creator's grandeur. Like the psalmist, may we cultivate a heart of gratitude for God’s steadfast love. Like Paul, may we open wide our hearts in love and compassion. And like the disciples, let us find peace in the presence of Christ, who calms every storm. Amen.