The Gospel according to Mark, the 4thchapter.
35 On that day, when evening had come, he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side.” 36 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. 38 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. 40 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?” The Gospel of our Lord.
PEACE- FULL!
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Grace and “peace.” This is how the apostle Paul often began his letters to the churches invoking both grace and peace in the name of God.
Perhaps one of the reasons that Paul begins this way is that in Hebrew, the word to greet someone and the word to say goodbye is the same – Shalom. Shalom means peace. So, when you meet someone, you say “Shalom,” or Peace be with you. And when you take your leave … you also wish them Shalom – peace be with you.
Peace-Full is our focus word for this week.” We heard in our lesson from Isaiah of the coming of the “Prince of Peace” and we hear Jesus, in our Gospel, stilling the waters with a command of “Peace! Be still!”
But what is this peace?
Often when we think of peace – or at least when I think of peace – we think of the absence of war, of striving, of angst, of conflict and disruption. We want peace for ourselves and our community. Like the disciples caught in a small boat in a raging storm, we too yearn for peace, for gentle waters, for calm. But not any calm.
In New Testament times, Romans ruled much of the known world and became known for the “Pax Romana,” The Roman Peace. Pax Romana was established, not by good will and voluntary actions, but through the brutal force, power and ruthless violence of a large force of armed soldiers on land and sea. The Roman navy was even able to squelch piracy in the Mediterranean Sea for over a hundred years. This was good for the Empire. The Empire grew rich and economically and politically powerful. As a reward for bringing about this order and calm –the Emperors and Generals were given titles such as “Prince of Peace” and “Bringer of Peace.” But while Pax Romana brought “peace” – and while this enforced peace was good for some – those in control –it oppressed, enslaved and killed many others.
It is into this world that Jesus comes preaching and teaching a different peace, God’s peace. This peace is not like the peace of the world – but,
even though they were with Jesus and heard his teaching and preaching, it wasn’t easy for the disciples to understand.
Our story begins in an ordinary way – the disciples and Jesus are crossing the lake. But suddenly a big storm comes up. The boat is tossing back and forth in the harsh winds and waves. It’s taking on water. The disciples – many of whom had been fishermen -- knew this lake. They’d seen a storm or two before. But nothing like this. This is an all hands on deck kind of storm. Desperately bailing water, they look to Jesus. But where is he? In the stern…. Sleeping on a pillow. Sleeping? Through this? How could he? Thinking they weren’t going to make it, they cried out to Jesus, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”
I can’t say that I blame the disciples for asking the question. There have been times that I’ve asked that question – or one like it. Maybe you have too. There are times in our life – times that we feel abandoned, lonely, afraid, worried, anxious and, despairing because we can’t see God’s presence, maybe you’ve wondered if Jesus is sleeping or just doesn’t care.
But Jesus, after the disciples wake him, rebukes the wind and the waves, “Peace. Be still.” Or in another translation, “SHUT UP. MUZZLE IT.” And then… he has a question for the disciples. “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
Jesus challenges the disciples – and us not to be afraid but to trust in Him. Because we can’t be at peace if we are afraid, if we do not or will not trust that Jesus is not only more powerful than all the forces of this world AND all of the forces of nature but also to remember that Jesus is with us and for us. Always. No matter what.
When I was recovering from the accident that I had as a young woman after foolishly running in front of a car while trying to catch a bus, I had some such moments. I worried that I was never going to walk or think or do anything useful. It didn’t help that I knew that my predicament was all my fault. But one day, as I was sitting on my hospital bed, fretting and worrying about what would become of me, my doctor walked in and sat down and he said, “have any questions?”
I blurted out, “Am I going to be ok?”
The doctor smiled and said, “Yes… because you have faith.” And then he left.
I have to admit I was expecting a medical analysis from my doctor. But he gave me what I needed – a reminder that I already had everything that I needed – the gift of faith, and that everything else in my life was the details. Peace comes in believing.
That doesn’t mean that my life has always been calm or that I have always felt peace-full. But I was reminded – and I keep getting reminded – that even when the world or even my little world - is not at ease, I can trust in the power and presence of Jesus.
And you can too. As the body of Christ, one of the things that we can do for one another is to do what my doctor did for me – remind each other of the faith we share. And another is to share the peace of Christ with one another. One way to do this is through prayer.
How many times have you been in this situation –Sarah was having a rough day, but when asked by her friend Anne, “How are you?” Sarah said, “Fine.” That’s pretty typical, right? You’ve probably done this yourself. But Anne told Sarah, “No you’re not. But… I’ll pray for you. And with that word, Sarah felt a peace come over her. Prayer – and the knowledge that someone is praying for you – makes a difference.
Brothers and sisters, friends in Christ, may the peace of Christ, God’s peace be with you – not as the world gives but as Jesus Christ gives.
For Jesus is the true “Prince of Peace” who brings peace - not an enforced peace like the Pax Romana, but the Peace of Christ -- which is a lasting peace and a peace that brings wholeness and healing – for all.
May the God of HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE IN BELIEVINGso that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Pastor Pam Stalheim Lane Faith-Lilac Way Lutheran Church July 26, 2020
Prayers of the People
Let us pray for the church, the world and all of God’s creation.
Prince of Peace, The world around us is not at peace with itself or one another. Let your peace, the peace that passes all understanding, protect and guide us and keep us always in your loving care. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
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As more and more people in the world, in our country, in our state and in our community fall ill with the coronavirus, bring peace, health and healing especially as we weary of the feelings of isolation and loneliness of staying at home alone. Give wisdom and peace to the leaders of our community, especially Governor Walz and the infectious disease team in our state. Lord in your mercy, Hear our prayer
Surround our community of faith with health and peace, especially Donna, JoAnn, David, Helen, Jacqueline, Sandy, Beverly, Bob, Brad, Ruth, Casey/ Margaret, Linda, Herb, Dan, Cori, and Lucas and all those we name silently or aloud…... Lord in your mercy… Hear our prayer
God of Peace, in the midst of the many challenges of our world, from the hurt and sin of racism to the harm that we do to the environment to the negative and hurtful things that we say and do, help us to share the peace of Christ, the shalom of God with one another and with our community. Lord in your mercy….Hear our prayer
Into your hands, O Lord, we place our cares and our joys, trusting in the assurance of your grace and your abundant love, mercy and peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen