Today’s Reflection
Gospel: MT 8:23-27
July 4, 2023 | Tuesday

Today’s Gospel

As Jesus got into a boat, his disciple followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him saying, “Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?” Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said,“Why sort of man is this, whom even the wind and the sea obey?”

The gospel story of the storm at sea continues the journey of the disciples as they “follow” Jesus into the boat – an image of the Church on its stormy voyage across time. Discipleship involves entering this “boat” with Jesus, and in turn, exposing oneself to possible persecution and trial symbolized by the windstorm that suddenly arises. Like the disciples in the boat, members of the Church may feel that their Lord is “asleep,” as they face the different dangers in life. When they echo the cry, “Lord, save us! We are perishing”, they can take comfort in Jesus’ majestic authority who instantly brings calm to our lives by rebuking the winds and the sea. The real significance of the gospel story lies not in the miracle of nature but in the revelation of Jesus as Lord and Savior of the Church. As we go through today, may we reflect on this question: What is your destination in the sailing you made? /Vulnerasti, 2023