The Gospel of Mark
The calming of a storm: Mk 4,35-41
As we noted in the overview, this incident is separated from the discourse by the reference to time and place in verse 35. Yet, the mentioned of the same day (verse 35) and of the crowds (verse 36) provides continuity with the previous discourse. This episode will underline to those in the boat the authority of the teacher of the parables. This is the first time in the Gospel that Jesus is actually called "teacher" (4,38, note 4,1).
The setting is a boat (verse 36); in our reading (see 4,26) this will be the same boat as in 4,2. We will be seeing a number of scenes where Jesus and his disciples are together in a boat whilst crossing the sea. Always dramatic events happen on those occasions which highlight the authority of Jesus and the misunderstanding and lack of faith of the disciples. In this case there is a mention of other boats (verse 36) though they play no further part in the story
We can note that it is Jesus who takes the initiative for this journey (verse 35).
As I mentioned, violent squalls (or great storms) (verse 37) would be typical of the Sea of Galilee where the wind is funneled by the valleys
The Old Testament quotations I mentioned illustrate the power of God over the wind and the waves. Then the psalms show us that trust in God which allows for peaceful sleep, like Jesus "with his head on a cushion" (nice touch there).
The contrast then follows between the calm authority of Jesus and the terror of the disciples, experienced fishermen though they may be.
"Teacher" is a basic title for Jesus, it is some way from the title of faith which would be "Lord".
A "great calm" follows on the "great storm" which leads to "great fear" on the part of the disciples - "great" is used three times therefore to make the point.
The contrast between Jesus' rebuke and the disciples' wonderment is a basic theme of this Gospel. We will be seeing much more as we read of Jesus's frustration at their lack of faith and the wonderment, even bewilderment of the disciples
The deeper meaning here is to see the sea as the forces of chaos as in the creation story in Genesis. There God brings order out of chaos as Jesus does here.
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The Sunday Gospel
Psalm 107 is a psalm which illustrates God's steadfast love "which endures for ever" by recounting and celebrating occasions which God saved people from their distress.
The short reading from Job is part of God's speech to Job which reminds Job that God is ultimately the one who is in control. Thus Jesus rebuking the winds and the waves (4,39) is behaving like God himself.
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