Jesus rises up. Matthew uses egertheis, which conveys not simply standing, but rising to his full height to confront the storm. He “rebukes” the wind and says to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The word Mark uses for Jesus’s rebuke (epetimēsen) is the same used for his commands to evil spirits, and Jesus’s phrasing is similar to the way he rebuked the demon in the synagogue at Capernaum : “Be silent, and come out of him!” At once there is a “great” calm. The Greek megalē is the same word used for the “great” wind, highlighting both natural danger and Jesus’s power over it. We can tell that the disciples are terrified, because Jesus says to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” A more literal translation of Mark’s Greek— pōs ouk echete pistin—may better convey Jesus’s amazement at the disciples’ reaction: “How is it that you still have no faith?” Their terror is not surprising. We’re so used to some Gospel stories that they can seem predictable. But sit on the narrow wooden seats next to the disciples, and Jesus’s power will render you speechless. And the disciples are frightened by not simply the miraculous—or what might seem magical— power, but what it meant.
Controlling nature was the prerogative of God alone. The creation story in Genesis recounts God’s dividing of the waters, separating the rains above and the seas below, and also exerting power over chaotic nature. 10 Jews aboard might have remembered one of many psalms on that same theme: “You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves rise, you still them.” The next line is stunning: ephobēthēsan phobon megan. They feared a great fear. Fear of the storm has morphed into fear of God, the awe accompanying a display of divine power, a theophany. When they next open their mouths, I imagine them having a hard time getting the words out: “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” The carpenter who just offered homey parables on the shoreline reveals a supernatural command over the waters. Jesus is mighty in word and in deed. I can only imagine the disciples sitting in stupefied silence as the voyage continued, now over calm waters.
Fr. Jim
Excerpts from Jesus: A Pilgrimage by James Martin, S.J.
Photo Gallery (click to scroll)
Reflection from pilgrim Chris D’Silva
For a long time I have had a desire to walk where Christ had walked, to visit the many places we read about in the Gospels and to be able visualize the scenes of Christ’s miracles.
So far our pilgrimage has taken us to some of the special places in Jesus’ ministry such as the Primacy of St. Peter, Mount of the Beatitudes, Cana in Nazareth and the Basilica of the Annunciation. We also spent a pleasant afternoon on a boat on the tranquil Sea of Galilee, quietly reflecting and imagining Jesus preaching on its shores, where he met his disciples and asked
them to follow him and where the multiplication of the loaves and fishes that fed five thousand people, took place.
For me it is not only important to visit the Shrines which are dedicated to Jesus’ ministry on earth, rather it is also important to reflect on how his teachings apply to my life and to be able to pray in quiet moments. So far I feel fulfilled that this pilgrimage has been uplifting, prayerful, thought-provoking and reflective.
The pilgrimage is made more meaningful by the presence of Fathers Jim Martin, Matt Malone, and George Williams, who have made themselves available to all pilgrims on this journey for spiritual guidance, support and counseling.
Thank you for reminding us of the ultimate meaning of the ” Be Attitudes”. Father you spoke about joy and healing., and that the ultimate goal is to feel joy in our lives. Thank you!
I am so enjoying your daily experience and your reflections.
Thank you –I live in Nazareth, Pa /your sharing of the Holy Land is Blessing to me ,and so many more!!
This is really seeing how on this water all these events happened here on earth, what a blessing to live nearby.
Thank you Father for these awesome photos, and the beautiful videos ! Its such a joy to watch your journey ! Thank you for sharing them and for all of your prayers !