Let us cross to the other side

Mark 4:35-41
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reading this gospel alone can give us the impression that Jesus is always on the go. "Let us cross to the other side." He asked his disciples to go with him to the other side. This is in fact the life of every Christians. We are asked to go always to the other side. We are asked to move forward. We are not asked to remain in our lack of faith. The journey is meant to make us grow in faith as we come closer to the Kingdom of God.

The disciples obliged and took Jesus on the boat. These words seemed to tell us that it was the disciples who took Jesus in their boat. Yes they did, for Jesus did not own a boat though ontologically Jesus own everything. It is like saying we let Jesus enter into our hearts, but the truth is Jesus is already in our hearts. It is like saying I own my life, though in reality we are created and owned by God. But again this is a good metaphor that we are only conscious that we take Jesus. But we sometimes forget that he is already in our hearts.

Time came when a strong storm frightened the disciples. They felt that they are going to drown. They cannot hold on to their fear anymore. They have to wake Jesus up who seemed to be not bothered by the situation. This is what happens to us. We sometimes found ourselves drowning and we cry out to Jesus. But isn't it just right to call on Jesus when we feel we cannot stand the storm anymore? Most christians do this.

The background of the gospel can help us understand the significance of the text. The early Christian community was a community being persecuted. A community being threatened by the authorities and by those who hated Jesus. Mark is telling the community to pray to Jesus. Indeed in the Gospel Jesus delivered. He rebuked the storm shouting "Quiet!" "Be still!" The storm calmed down. Jesus indeed has the power over any threat. Jesus has the last say in everything. It is away of assuring the Christians that Jesus has the power over all the power in this world that we can imagine that even the storm and the sea obeys Him.

But Mark did not end the Gospel with the stilling of the sea. He pushed the issue forward. Mark wanted to underline heroic faith. He emphasized the importance of those who gave their lives for the faith. When Jesus said "Why are you terrified?" Have you still no faith?", Jesus did not say that they were wrong. Jesus was asking why until now they have not grown in their faith in him. Why until now they are still the save-me-Jesus disciples. Mark is making the christians aware of the heroic faith. Faith that believes Jesus died for us and saves us always. Faith that can rest with Jesus even in danger. Faith that is not afraid to die with Jesus.

LET US CROSS TO THE OTHER SIDE. My brothers and sisters, the journey towards the other side where Jesus wanted us to go is not a tourist trip. The journey is risky and it can cost us our lives. Looking at the politics of the world today, we are all aware that they are heading us to nowhere. The life of some may have been better, but the number of those who die of hunger and poverty becomes bigger as the day passes. Politics seems to be for the politicians well-being only. Look at how many of these legislatures enriched themselves openly while many of the Filipinos are suffering in poverty. Christians in the Philippines have to start sailing with Jesus. The sea is rough and tough. But we know where Jesus want us to take. For sure it is not to the place where our present politicians are leading us to go. The bills that they are trying to make are clearly self-serving. Let us be courageous in our journey even if it will be against the tides of evil. For if ever we lost our lives in our way, aware that we are with Jesus, we can be sure that we can reach the place where Jesus wanted us to go. "Today you will be with me in Paradise" or "Enter the Kingdom of God" are the phrases that should console us for that is the reason of our journey. Let us serve the people of God.