Why are we so terrified?

Why are you so terrified? Do you not yet have faith? For the evangelist Mark, these two questions that Jesus addresses to his disciples are not a story of the past. They are the questions Jesus’ followers are to listen to in the midst of crisis. The questions we also have to ask ourselves today are: Where does the root of our cowardice lie? Why are we afraid of the future? Is it because of our lack of faith in Jesus Christ?

The account is short. It all begins with Jesus’ command: Let us cross to the other side. The disciples know that on the other side of the Sea of Tiberias is the pagan territory of the Decapolis. It is a different and strange country, with a culture that is hostile to their religion and their beliefs.

Suddenly, a powerful storm comes up, a graphic metaphor of what is happening in the group of disciples. The windstorm, waves breaking over the boat, the water that starts filling the boat up describes well the situation: What can Jesus’ followers do in the face of the hostility of the pagan world? In danger is not only their mission, but also the very survival of the group.

Awakened by his disciples, Jesus intervenes; the wind ceases and great calm comes over the lake. What is surprising is that the disciples are filled with great awe. Before, they were afraid of the storm. Now, seem to be scared of Jesus. And yet, something decisive has been stirred up in them: they have turned to Jesus for help; they have been able to experience in him a power to save that they had not known; they begin to wonder about his identity. They are beginning to sense that with him everything is possible.

Christianity today finds itself in the midst of a violent squall and fear is beginning to take hold of us. We do not dare cross to the other side. We find modern culture to be a strange and hostile country. The future frightens us. Creativity seems to be forbidden. Some think it is safer to look backwards in order to go forward.

Jesus can surprise us all. The Risen One has power to usher in a new phase in the history of Christianity. Faith is all that is asked of us, a faith that will free us from so much fear and cowardice, and will commit us to walk in Jesus’ footsteps.

June 21, 2015
12 Ordinary Time (B)
Mark 4, 35-41