Jesus calms the Storm at the Sea (Mk 35-41) is a short passage in the gospel of Mark where the miracle Jesus performs addresses his followers’ fear. It is interesting that Jesus initiates the voyage to “cross to the other side” of the lake. And the disciples took him “just as he was.” The narrative relates that as they crossed, a violent squall arose and the waves were breaking over into the boat; it was filling up. Incredulously, the story continues that Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion! If I were asleep on a boat, I certainly would be awake by the time the waves and the water were crashing onto the vessel. (I am told that Jesus asleep on the stern demonstrated his trust in God.) His friends and disciples make their desperate plea to the sleeping Jesus, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” to which he wakes. Then Jesus rebukes the wind and the sea: “Quiet!” “Be still!” Still wind. Great calm. To the disciples Jesus says: Why are you afraid? Do you not yet have faith?” Disciples: “What the …? Who is this dude, that even the wind and sea obey?”
