Gospel Reflections for June 21 2015
This Gospel reveals why. These fishermen on the Sea of Galilee had built their boats with their own hands and they had great confidence in them.
Archaeologists recently discovered a first century fishing boat near the Sea of Galilee from the time of Jesus. Analysis reveals that it was carefully built with skilled and intricate construction, and continuously repaired afterwards. That reveals it was considered a significant and valuable business asset for the owners.
The disciples confidently took Jesus into one of these boats to cross the Sea to the other side. Their confidence vanished as a sudden storm arrives, which could easily swamp their boat, which probably seemed rather small at that moment! They are frightened and cower before the wind and the waves. They understand and fear the power of nature. However, Jesus calmly stands up in the ship, faces the wind and sea, and quiets the storm. They are amazed!
Jesus knew what He was doing when He chose fishermen as disciples. While they are rightfully proud of the ships they had competently built with their own hands, they also respected the power of nature as well. They had things in the right perspective.
As good as the ship was, fishermen deeply respect powers that are clearly beyond themselves, such as storms and wind and waves. These are people who can put into perspective the difference between their own powers and capabilities and those that are beyond themselves.
Those who sail the sea are the first to humbly recognize that there is some other force in charge of their world, and that the most that they can do is “sail with the wind” and not against it.
The disciples understand that Jesus will not stop every storm. There are several other Gospel storm accounts where Jesus lets the storm rage. (John 6:16) However, in every story Jesus never leaves them alone in the storm. Jesus rides the waves with us. He is in the same boat with us. What makes us confident is not the boat we make but that Jesus is in it!
A storm never means Jesus is missing. It is precisely the time Jesus affirms that He is with us, and closer than ever.
The disciples were certainly proud of their boat, and yet, when Jesus called them to follow Him as disciples, they left it behind …better to get in “His boat”
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Thank you Fr. Dave for your reflection and reassuring words. We think you are in the Holy Land and hope all of you are having a wonderful time and you are in our prayers. Ed and Barbara
Just returned yesterday. Fantastic trip!
As a “fisherman” with a boat, I especially appreciate your comments this week!
Thank you!
My dad had a 28 ft wood (not that newfangled fiberglass) cabin cruiser. We learned respect for ocean and knowledge of our own limitations and reliance on an other (the boat) or my unceasing Hail Marys at late afternoon crossings of the channel.
Yes, boating teaches humility. Wood boats are rare these days!
I am not a fisherman like Larry, but I also have come to respect the sea. One can learn how to pray harder when under the power of the sea. I had a 16′ Hobie Cat catamaran sport boat from which I derived a lot of pleasure giving rides to family members and the like.
On three or four occasions I did not have enough power over the sea, and the boat capsized. dumping the passengers overboard. On one occasion the wind was strong and the sea was high. I headed into the sea preparing to come about and head for the shore when the boat road up high on a swell and went all the way over backwards with the mast pointing straight down into the water.
To make matters worse, my passenger happened to be my daughter, a nun, in full habit. As you can imagine I was totally worried about what to do. Fortunately a power boat came near and fished my daughter out of the water and delivered her back to shore. Then the Harbor Patrol came and rescued me and my boat. Needless to say, this was a humbling experience. Praise Jesus for teaching His people.
So I am moved by this Gospel. Thanks for your wonderful, insightful commentary.
By the way, did you know that a sailboat can travel faster than the wind?
I am glad you were both rescued! You have a unique perspective on sailing that most do not. I never did quite understand the physics of sailing. It is amazing to hear that a boat can go faster than the wind itself!
Very inspiring and reaffirms how much we depend on God to stir the universe and how strong our faith has to be. Thank you
Yu are welcome!
Indeed there is ‘”a powerful force in charge of our world”! A fact that we often forget. We well remember our
sail on the “Jesus boat”. May you and this year’s pilgrims have a blessed trip on the Sea of Galilee.
Bob and Rose Mary
Just returned yesterday from the Holy Land. We sailed on the boat in the afternoon on the Sea of Galilee, which is just when the wind comes up, and it was particularly strong that day!
Beautiful commentary Father Dave!!!!!! Dick and I heard Jesus’call and we want to forever be in His boat!!! We love that you are in the same boat with us sitting up front leading us with our Jesus to a faith filled happy,,life here on earth and then to a precious life in our Heaven of LOVE!!!!! A beautiful life of GIVING LOVE!!!
We and our Circle of Love are praying that you have a most beautiful, spiritual trip to Jesus’ home of love!!!
Come back safely to us!!!
With Love, Franca and Dick
Just returned yesterday. Fantastic trip!
I think Jesus chose fishermen for His disciples because they were teachable, humble men,
not self-righteous, like the educated religious leaders of the time who were oppressing the people
with their teachings.
Also since they were fishermen they were able to relate to Jesus’ mission for them as
“Fisher’s of Men”
Jesus asked them to “come and see” They liked what they saw and heard, so they left their
cherished boats to follow Him.
Well said!