Quick Reflection on Luke 8:23-24:

23 “…and while they were sailing [Jesus] fell asleep. A windstorm swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in danger. 24 They went to him and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm.”

For many of us, right now, it certainly feels like we are sailing across a lake where the water around us is tossing us to and fro. Perhaps it feels as though our boat, the thing that is keeping us afloat, is being filled with water and we are at risk of sinking. If you battle the waves yourself, you will only exhaust yourself. If Jesus is sleeping in your soul, wake him. When Jesus is awakened in you, through prayer, meditation, restful activity, and life-giving relationships, the storm is able to be calmed. With you and Jesus, keeping watch together, your soul will be able to rest. Don’t feel like you have to push yourself to the point of exhaustion before you call out for help. St. Augustine, once wrote; “Why are you tossed about by the billowing waves of the lake and the storm? Because Jesus is asleep; that is, because the faith that derives from Jesus has gone to sleep in your heart.” If any of you are feeling weary, feeling overwhelmed, feeling lost, take time this week to cry out to Jesus, “Master, Master, I am perishing!” I promise, He’ll wake up.