35 On that day, when evening had come, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the multitude, they took him with them, even as he was, in the boat. Other small boats were also with him. 37 A big wind storm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so much that the boat was already filled. 38 He himself was in the stern, asleep on the cushion, and they woke him up, and told him, “Teacher, don’t you care that we are dying?”

39 He awoke, and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40 He said to them, “Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have no faith?”

41 They were greatly afraid, and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Mark 4:35-41 - World English Bible

These verses from Mark portrayed the calming of the storm. Jesus gave the order; he and his disciples sailed in boats (a small fleet) at night, then faced a sudden storm that sometimes flares up on a desert lake as the Sea of Galilee (as heat rises from the lake surface at night, cold air rushes in to meet the warmed air, causing high winds and high waves). But, the Master was asleep until the panicking disciples wake him with their concern. He calmed the waters and chided his followers for their lack of faith.

This scene was full of symbolism. The order to travel for he sake of evangelization came from Jesus. The boat that contained the his disciples represented the Church. The storm symbolized persecution. The image of the sleeping Jesus implied his distance from the panicking followers. Yet, in the nick of time, the Lord was present and the threat receded. But, the question remained: why couldn't they persevere in faith?

I think all of us can place ourselves in that storm-tossed boat. At some time in our lives, we've felt alone, under fire and crying out to God for relief. Then, the Lord stepped in, gave us peace and asked the same question he posed to his fellow travelers.

When have you been afraid? When have you lost faith? How has the Lord strengthened you in your time of panic?