The Message of Sleeping Jesus

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Thirteenth Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 8:23-27*

*First Reading : Am 3:1-8, 11-12*

*The Message of Sleeping Jesus*

*1) The Sleeping Jesus*

We have seen the Statue of Sleeping Joseph 

This image reminds us about the dream of Joseph, Revelation of God's plan in Sleep/dream, Joseph's peaceful surrender to God’s plan. 

Pope Francis says *Whenever he has a problem or special prayer, he writes it down and places it underneath the Sleeping St. Joseph. St. Joseph takes care of the intention while the pope rests* It tell us the active presence of Sleeping Joseph

In today's Gospel, We have Sleeping Jesus on the boat

This image also communicates a very powerful, message to all of us 

*2) Challenges or Troubles are inevitable*

This is the First lesson. 

Jesus was present among the disciples. Yet they faced violent storm in the sea

At times we think, when Jesus is with us, there should not be any problem, struggles or challenges

But this incident tell us challenges are inevitable in life, irrespective of the presence or absence of Jesus 

*2) The Divine power of Jesus*

In the Old Testament, it is understood that only God had power over Wind, water and the sea. No other power can control these natural powers 

The very fact Jesus showed His power over the wind, storm and the sea, it shows the divine power of Jesus 

Jesus had power over everything. This is one of the best proofs to understand the divine power of Jesus 

*3) Need of calling out the Name of Jesus*

The disciples in the boat called out the name of Jesus

At this calling Jesus woke up and calmed the sea. 

Calling out the name of Jesus is very important, especially during the time of troubles and challenges of our life 

Even though Jesus knows our struggles it is very important on our part to call out the name of Jesus to experience His protection

*4) Its good to Rest*

The sleeping Jesus shows us that Jesus is really human. The human nature of Jesus is highlighted

He might have been tired from healing, casting our spirits, and being with so many crowds. So, he rested.

God wants each of us to rest, as well. God gave us the sabbath, a day to rest to have divine experience 

Jesus even reminded his followers to come to him for real rest and for spiritual renewal (Matthew 11:28). 

We get tempted to believe that staying busy and driven is what makes us good, however, rest is important.

When we look at Jesus in this story, we learn that rest and taking care of ourselves is good and something that God desires for us as his beloved children.

It is good to slow down and find moments to rest in God’s presence.

*5) Unexpected Troubles in Life*

The Gospel says *Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea*

It was an unexpected event in the life of the disciples

Even though, the disciples knew that there were troubles in the sea, they never expected such a huge storm, which could frighten them so much 

Even though they were expert courageous fishermen, yet they feared this storm, because of its gravity

Troubles have no time, no place, no clue, no religion, no caste, no culture, and no partiality. It is common for all

*6) What sort of man is this?*

The Sleeping Jesus made the disciples to ask this question and to find out the real identity of Jesus 

This question contains the real answer in it. 

Only God can control the wind, water and storm

What about sleeping Jesus in my life's boat? What sort of question it raises? Positive or negative? 

*7) Sleeping Jesus in the boat of My Life*

It was Jesus who started the journey in the boat. Disciples followed Him 

Jesus who gave this life and the boat of this life. We said yes and moving along with Jesus

At times in our boat of life, Jesus is found sleeping. What is my response? 

Jesus has not left the disciples. He is with them at the most difficult time. This is also true in our life. But what is our response?

Jesus Rebuked the disciples for their  weak faith. What about my life and faith?   

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*