Mark 4:35-41
New Revised Standard Version
35-36 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd behind, they took him with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him.
37 A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But he was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?"
39 He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm. He said to them, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?"
41 And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"
REFLECTIONS:
Thoughts from John:
When I was in high school, I developed an anxiety disorder. Everyday felt like I was trapped in a boat rocked by the violence of the storm that was in my brain.
Today, my brain and I are much better friends. But there are still days in which I am overwhelmed by unrelenting and debilitating fear. On those days, I still ask God: “DON’T YOU CARE!?”
All I want is to get to the other side.
I don’t always know what to make of Jesus questioning the disciples’ faith. Fear is a normal and healthy human emotion and I have to believe the God of the Universe understands that fact.
But like the fishermen-turned-disciples, I too get scared even while rowing through waters I’ve already travelled and worked. And like Jesus, I get confused and frustrated when I have to, yet again, respond to my irrational anxiety.
In the meantime, I’m still learning to hear the voice of the One who invites me to the other side of my fears. And I’m still learning to trust that when God says: “let’s go to the other side,” that God is infinitely creative enough to get me there, regardless of what storms I might encounter.
PRACTICE:
Outward Mindset Application
Consider if you have inadvertently created challenge for a co-worker this week. If so, find time to make an apology!
Non-Violent Communication Question of the Week
Who do you know that is skilled at leaving room for your feelings to show up when you are with them? How can you imitate that skill of theirs while you are with others this week?
Pathways toward Centeredness
Asceticism (Abstaining from comforts to make room for God):
For those who struggle with screen time before bed… this week, practice leaving your device in another room (or on the other side of your room) overnight. Replace your habit of scrolling before and after sleep with a healthier activity (like walking, reading, stretching, meditating, etc.)
Questions for Reflection
How often do you experience fear? What might that feeling be bring to teach you about yourself?
What is your favorite antidote to fear?
Is there any metaphorical “other side” you are excited to get to?
“Liturgy” refers to the habits and practices humans use to form community around shared values and meaning. At Church at the Park, we desire to be a community of practice, becoming people who see the world through the eyes of the marginalized, making meaning through the lens of pain and suffering, and committing ourselves to non-violence in a wounded world. This weekly email is intended to provide pathways of practice for becoming the type of people who embody these values.
Many of our reflections on each week's text come from other sources. If you're interested in reading more of what inspires us, here our our two favorite reflections.
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