Wake up Jesus: A Short Reflection on Luke 8:23-24

“…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. 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.”

I don’t think it is any secret that life is not easy. Especially these days. I have been getting an unusual number of people calling me for assistance with things like rent or paying bills. There are times when we can feel like waves are hitting us from every side. I don’t know where you are personally today, but it certainly feels like many of us 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. But here’s the thing, if you battle the waves yourself, you will only exhaust yourself. We simply cannot navigate these waters on our own. 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 you are tired, and if Jesus is sleeping in your soul, wake him. When he is awakened in you, through prayer, meditation, sabbath, and life-giving relationships, the storm can be calmed. With you and Jesus keeping watch together, your soul will be able to find peace, even in the midst of waves that threaten to capsize you. Don’t feel like you have to push yourself to the point of exhaustion before you call out for help. St. Paul’s, cry out to Jesus, “Master, Master, I am perishing!” I promise, He’ll wake up.