“Quiet! Be still!” said Jesus to the wind and sea in the passage about the calming of the storm in the Gospel of Mark (4:39). So often in our lives, we find ourselves wishing, “if only I had more time” or tired at the end of a day wondering exactly where the daily grind left us. Jesus’ words, though, remind us that life without prayer—life that is not centered in Him—is a storm.
In this story, the disciples were never without Jesus. Even amidst the “violent squall” and the “waves…breaking over the boat,” Jesus was there “asleep on a cushion.” Too many times we allow storms to well up in our lives, from the obligations of school and work. Then when we do get rest, we fill it with time staring at a computer or television screen. And we wonder why we don’t feel at peace, but rather always anxious about what item on our to-do list we have to cross off next.
This story in the Gospel of Mark alerts us to an important lesson. It is that Jesus is always there. The only thing that changes is whether we seek Him out or not. Even while we are on the “boat” of our built up egos and false senses of self-sufficiency, he is there for us, waiting to be summoned for help. However, He will not force Himself on us. He loves us too much, so the initiative lies with us.
We have to “wake” Him. How do we do this? If possible, one can visit a Church at any time, and see that Tabernacle candle flickering—reminding us that He is there, waiting. If one cannot make it to a Church, he is still available. All that one has to do is quiet one’s mind for a moment or two, and ask Him for help to become re-centered.
Jesus said in Matthew 7:7—8, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
It IS as simple as that. As the story goes in Mark, Jesus spoke those words at the opening of this article, and “the wind ceased and there was great calm.” Only Jesus, though, can speak those words and calm the storm. We cannot speak the words ourselves—or give ourselves peace. Jesus is the only refuge in which the human heart will find its peace. As Jesus’ words are restated in every Catholic liturgy, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27).
In Luke 10:38—42, the story of Martha and Mary is recounted. Martha complains to Jesus that her sister Mary is not helping her with the affairs of the house and duties of hospitality while they hosted Him. Mary, rather, “sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.” Jesus replied to Martha, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things. There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.”
As we continue to study for midterms, and gear up for the end of an academic year that is fast approaching, will we choose the better part?
