A LEARNED Rabbi said that God created seven seas but chose the majestic Sea of Galilee as His own most special pride and joy. In Christ's time fishing was a major industry and the lovely lake was thronged with ever busy boats. Names of waterside towns call forever to the heart: Magdala, Caphernaum, Betsaida, Corozain.
The much loved inland lake is 13 miles long and seven miles wide. All around we have the open-air schools of Christ. His life-giving words still echo in the fragrant fields. Pilgrims linger and find it hard to leave. The vision stays in mind and heart.
On the evening of a busy day Jesus said to his disciples "Let us cross to the other side of the lake!" Jesus was already in the boat, his head resting on a pillow. He was soon fast asleep. With other boats they set off. Suddenly a strong wind arose as so often on land-locked lakes. Waves poured over the sides and it seemed as if the fragile craft must sink.
In sheer terror the disciples wakened Jesus and cried aloud "Master! Do you not care that we are about to drown?" The Master stood. As Lord of all he spoke to the winds - "Be silent!" - and to the waters - "Be still!" At once the wind died down and a great calm descended on the troubled lake.
Jesus spoke the words that apply so many times to us: "Why are you frightened?. Have you still no faith?" They were astounded, and now ashamed of their distrust. They asked the question that echoes down the ages. "Who is this? Even winds and waves obey His Word!" We too must pray in faith, and wonders will occur.
The Gospel story mirrors our once-made journey across the sea of life. Gladly we avail of peaceful calm, of tranquil waters, of abundant food and of healing sun. And yet our hold on any gift is both frail and brief. We live in a world of ceaseless change. Health, possessions, status and the treasured security of the daily task can disappear leaving us bereft, bewildered and utterly, in our littleness, atone, as if cast adrift on an angry sea.
There are other storms. Desolation of spirit, faintness of heart, our cowardly compromises and our betrayals of the truth! Loss of great ideals may create a dismal darkness that will dizzy and appall. In our desolation of mind and body it may seem as if Christ once again is deaf to our cry.
Not so! He is ever vigilant and near. Christ of the Garden, Christ of Calvary's Hill is also Christ of the empty tomb and Christ of the morning meal by the now calmed waters of the once dread-filled lake. The darkest moments are those most close to the radiance of every hope-filled dawn. "Fear not! I am with you all days!"
Rembrandt brings the Gospel moment close. His wondrous painting presents in luminous colour what the three Evangelists record in vivid words. He shows the violence of the storm, and the terror of frail and fickle followers such as we. One disciple in desperation grips the shaking mast. Another leans in panic over the side of the fragile defenceless boat. Christ alone, as Lord and Master, remains in a radiance of calm control above threatening wind and turbulent waters. His gentle stillness speaks to us of the Love Supreme that alone can calm all storms for the disciples, and for us.
Lord increase our Faith!
They cried to the Lord in their need
And He rescued them in their distress
He stilled the storm to a whisper
All the waves of the sea were hushed..."