Sunday, June 21, 2015 Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Lectionary 12
Ralph W. Klein
The sea in biblical times was much feared because it threatened sailors and caused storms on seacoasts. In surrounding cultures, such as that of the Canaanites, the Sea was a divine figure who threatened to bring disorder and chaos. When the disciples in the Gospel were threatened by a terrible sea storm, they awakened the sleeping Jesus (!), who said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” When Jesus accused the disciples of a lack of faith, they said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” Their words come from frightened sailors, who also feared the supernatural power of the sea.
The first reading also reflects on the power of the sea. God humbled Job by pointing out that he had not been present at creation and that he had not had the wisdom to shut in the sea with doors. God controlled the sea by setting up sea shores and lake shores and ordered the sea: “Thus far shall you come, and no farther, and here shall your proud waves be stopped” (Job 38:8-11).
Psalm 107 describes a series of crises when people faced thirst and salvation in desert travels, when they were prisoners, when they were sick and burdened by guilt, and when they were threatened by storms on the sea. In each case they prayed to God, who delivered them (vv. 6-7. 13-14, 19-20, and 28-20). During a storm at sea God made the storm be still and the waves of the sea were hushed.
In the second reading Paul lists frightful moments in his own life which he survived through great endurance or perseverance, that is, through faith in God. He contrasts outward descriptions of himself as imposter, as unknown, as dying, as punished, as sorrowful, as poor, and as having nothing with the reality God has given him, as one who is true, well known, alive, not killed, always rejoicing, making many rich, and possessing everything. In the semi-continuous first reading in 1 Samuel 17 the boy David faced the giant Goliath with these faith-filled words: “I come to you in the name of Yahweh of hosts. Yahweh will deliver you into my hand.”
In the hymn “Eternal father, strong to save,” sometimes known as the Navy Hymn, each of the first three verses end: “Oh, hear us when we dry to Thee, For those in peril on the sea!” When we are threatened by storms or travel or by other dangers in life, we can rely on the One whom even wind and sea obey.