06 October 2014 — Ignatian Contemplation

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Later that day, when evening came, Jesus said to them, “Let’s cross over to the other side of the lake.” They left the crowd and took him in the boat just as he was. Other boats followed along.
Gale-force winds arose, and waves crashed against the boat so that the boat was swamped. But Jesus was in the rear of the boat, sleeping on a pillow. They woke him up and said, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re drowning?”
He got up and gave orders to the wind, and he said to the lake, “Silence! Be still!” The wind settled down and there was a great calm. Jesus asked them, “Why are you frightened? Don’t you have faith yet?”
Overcome with awe, they said to each other, “Who then is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!”
~~~
I’m afraid.
I remember a storm like this when I was a boy. It came upon us out of no where. Our little boat capsized and my older brother drowned.
I’m so afraid.
It’s late. We have Jesus with us but he’s sleeping.
Sleeping! Can you believe it? We’re all about to drown and he’s asleep!
We had been walking and serving and healing all day. The people just kept coming and coming. Jesus never stopped. His clothes are tattered. His face is dirty. I think he even lost a sandal!
Finally, very late, the people started to leave and we grabbed Jesus — well, the others did, I’m still new to this group — and took him by force (it seemed to me) to the boat we had waiting. There was a home on the other side of the water waiting for us. A nice meal. Some wine. A warm bed! I could hardly wait.
But now...
Now we’re going to drown because of this storm. Some think Jesus can do something to help. Others don’t think so. Me? I don’t know.
Wait...
Someone’s awakened Jesus.
He stepping to the front of the boat...is he going to jump in? Should we jump in too?
No. He’s not jumping. He’s saying something. I can’t make it out because of the wind.
…
Wait…
Something…
Something just happened.
The feeling in the air just changed. Something…heavy…just fell upon the whole place. Heavy like a wet wool blanket.
The wind just…stopped.
And so did the waves.
The heaviness stopped everything.
It stopped my fear, too. I’m not afraid anymore.
Some of the others said Jesus spoke to the wind and the waves...like he speaks to the sick and possessed...the wind and waves obeyed him.
Who is this guy?
Now I’m afraid again. But this time, it’s different. I’m not afraid I’m going to die…

I’m afraid I’m going to live.



~~~
In the Love of the Three in One,

Br. Jack+, LC

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