Saturday, February 29, 2020

Riding On The Heights

Anyone who has climbed a mountain or even driven through the mountains  receives a breathtaking view of
God's creation.  We can't find the words to describe God's amazing creativity, sense of color, proportion, and grandeur.  In the first reading today, (Is 58: 9b-14), Isaiah describes "the climb", the things necessary to "reach the top" in our Lenten journey: lots of work to relieve the oppressed, care for the hungry, comfort the afflicted, not following our own ways and interests, but letting them be guided by the needs and interests of others, bridling our tongues against malice... a plateful, but one that will yield eventually the exileration of "riding on the heights."
Bro. Rene

Thursday, February 27, 2020

Another Level Of Fasting

On this day of abstinence (a "Fish Fry-day) we might consider a different  kind of fasting proposed by Pope Francis:
Fast from hurting words and say kind words.
Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude.
Fast from anger and be filled with patience.
Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope
Fast from worries and have trust in God..
Fast from complaints and contemplate simplicity.
Fast from pressures and be prayerful.
Fast from bitterness and fill your hearts with joy.
Fast from selfishness and be compassionate to others.
Fast from grudges and be reconciled.
Fast from words and be silent so you can listen. (pietrafitness.com)
Bro. Rene

Discipleship Is Not Cheap

Dietrich Bonheoffer's classic, The Cost of Discipleship, elaborates on three points of today's passage from Luke's Gospel: to be a  disciple one must deny oneself, take up the cross, and follow Jesus. (Lk 9: 23). These also provide a framework for our Lenten observance. We fast and abstain, denying ourselves of meat and extra food on two specific designated days: Ash Wednesday, and Good Friday and we abstain from meat on the Fridays of Lent.  These are the minimum, but we are encouraged to "give up" other things, to exercise self-restraint, and deny ourselves something we normally enjoy to help us in our quest to bend our wills to the will of God.
We bear our own suffering, physical, psychological, or spiritual, to be in tune with the suffering Jesus underwent, even to death on the cross. We try to alleviate the sufferings of others by spending time with them, listening to them and comforting them as best we can.
And finally, to follow Jesus  is not just a "one time" commitment, but one for a lifetime.
Truly, discipleship is not cheap, but it's what we bargain for when we call ourselves Christian.
Bro. Rene

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

A Lent Well-Spent

A phrase that has become part of Marist Tradition and Lore was formulated (or borrowed) by Brother Paul Ambrose, once Master of Scholastics at Marian College-- now Marist College--and General Councilor:  "You'll never repent a Lent well  spent" It might sound trite, but there is a grain of truth that persists till this day.  The key is on how we will spend the next 40 days.  If we haven't done so already, it might be good to ask Jesus what he wants from us this year, rather than performing a serious of "give ups" and "do's out of obligation rather than in a generous response to the wishes of Jesus.
The Church recommends prayer, fasting and almsgiving, solid pillars on which to build a fruitful Lent.  What is Jesus asking us in from us  through our prayer, fasting (giving up) and almsgiving?  What will bring us closer to him daily and in bulk form on Easter Sunday?  The ashes remind us that we are dust, so we can't expect to change our lives or the world in just 40 days,  but by turning each day, each hour, over to him, we might hear him indicate what he wants from us this Lent, and thus make it a season we relish rather than dread and find it has been a time very well-spent.
Bro. Rene

Tuesday, February 25, 2020

As Children

As the media plays up and helps to commercialize the celebration on the last day before Ash Wednesday, as it does with Christmas, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, and Ester, (to name a few),
we can easily lose sight of the purpose of "Fat Tuesday," Mardi Gras, also called Carnivale in Europe and Latin American counties.  It was a day of heightened awareness that since a meatless Ash Wednesday, and, in the "old" days, fasting, penance and almsgiving were to follow for the ne 40 days,  it was time to eat to the full.  Now, parades, beads, heavy drinking and carte-blanche license a la New Orleans, is becoming more and more the norm.
The gospel for this day, mentions none of the above, but speaks about the impending death and resurrection, and the need to avoid seeking the first place, but rather, to receive Jesus as would a child, without fear, without guile or pretense. (Mk 9: 30-37).  The extravagance of excessive Mardi Gras exuberance has but a small place in the larger picture of service to Jesus and one another. May we use this day to prepare for Lent as would a child for his or her first scooter or tricycle.
Bro. Rene

Monday, February 24, 2020

Increase My Faith

How often do we find ourselves in the same boat as the father of the boy possessed with a demon, in that we've prayed and prayed, but not have had an answer?  (Mk 9:14-29).  Even the disciples could not chase the demon, so that they too qualified as a "faithless generation." If they, how much more we?  Jesus expressed his frustration and anger with them, "how long will I be with you? . How long will I endure you?" Humbly, the father admits his lack of faith and presents HIS need to Jesus:  "I do believe, help my unbelief!"  Yes, "Everything is possible to one who has faith." (Mk 9:23).  Perhaps our most important goal for this Lent would be an increase of faith.  Looking back a few years and seeing the patterns in our life, we can see where God has been leading us. He's always been there guiding us, caring for us.  It's time to turn ourselves over in trust, ask for an increase of faith, and BELIEVE that God will grant it.
Bro.  Rene

Sunday, February 23, 2020

Meeting the Challenges

Today's gospel selection from the Sermon on the Mount (Mt 5:38-48) challenges us to "go the extra mile", to love and forgive our enemies.  We can find the toughness to walk that extra mile, go out of our way to help another, more easily than to forgive those who annoy us, from the vehicle behind us that is practically in our back seat, to those who mock and insult us for holding on to "old-fashioned" beliefs and morals, and even to those who persecute others out of pure hate.  Love these?  Forgive these? YES.  That's what Jesus said and did, as hanging on the cross his first words were, "Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing" (Lk 23: 34)  Jesus is clear that his injunction to "be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect", (Mt 5:48) takes work, grace and a major change of heart.  Lent is coming.  Starts this Wednesday.  Another opportunity to stretch ourselves to meet the ideals presented in this passage. Possible, impossible?  With God, all things are possible.
Bro. Rene

Saturday, February 22, 2020

Upon This Rock

Today's Feast brings us back to the origins of the Church, when Peter, after declaring that Jesus was "the Christ, the Son of the Living God," Jesus replies that indeed Peter is blessed and the "rock" upon which Jesus will build his Church." (Mt 16:18).  Jesus further declares that "the gates of the netherworld", (another translation reads, "the jaw of death") will not prevail against it. (Mt (16:19). Thus far, this remains true:  the Church is the oldest institution in our civilized world today, and has withstood many an assault, from within and without.  What must be going through the mind of Peter as he looks over this 2,000 year checkered history with its constant need of review and renewal, its glories and gross sins, its good and bad popes?  He cannot but remember his own journey, especially that moment of blatant denial, but also the mercy and forgiveness of Jesus.  That pattern or failure and rising again in his own life, due to God's mercy and grace, is the pattern in the life of the Church.  We recall Paul's apt description of his life and that of other followers of Jesus, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." (1 Cor 1:27). Time and time again, the Church as risen from its own ashes. As we honor the teaching authority of the Pope, the Church, and pray for fidelity to the authority of Jesus for him and ourselves may we not doubt and thus insult Jesus, but hold fast to his promise that the Church will accomplish its mission and "the gates of the netherworld will not prevail against it:".
Bro. Rene

Friday, February 21, 2020

Denying Self

Jesus and St. James give hard but effective advice in today's readings;  Jesus gives the winning formula for authentic discipleship:  "Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and that of the Gospel will save it." (Mk 8: 34-35). "See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.  For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead." (Js 2:26).  Performing these "works" takes effort, time, and self-denial. It is the following of Jesus, the emptying of self, the "losing of life,"  the little crosses that Jesus was talking about.  James helps us put the advice of Jesus into positive action that benefits others as well as ourselves.  A win, win for all.
Bro. Rene

Thursday, February 20, 2020

You Are The Christ

In this day and age of "revisionism", inversion of values and morals,  relativism, ignorance of history, and questioning of the existence of historical figures, even Jesus, if we were asked, "Who is Jesus?, what would we say?  In Mark's gospel, Jesus asks his apostles, "Who do people say that I am?"  (Mk 8:27).  Mixed responses ranging from John the Baptist to the prophets do not satisfy Jesus.  He wants to know who THEY say he is. Peter blurts out spontaneously: "You are the Christ." (Mk 8:29) that means the anointed one, the Messiah.  Can we say the same thing? Can we add on, "the Son of God?"  If we don't hold to Jesus as our Savior and the Son of God, we cannot claim to be Christian.
Bro Rene

Wednesday, February 19, 2020

In Stages

In curing the blind man in today's gospel passage, Jesus proceeds in stages until the man finally sees clearly. (Mk8: 22-26).  James gives us very practical advice about anger, "be slow to anger"; being doers of the word, not just hearers; bridling our tongues; giving aid to widows and orphans, and keeping ourselves unstained by the world." (Js 1:19-27).  This is a solid challenge, one that cannot be immediately accomplished, but as with the blind man, done in stages, perhaps over a lifetime. If we haven't started on these yet, Lent is a good time to begin...or if we have tried, to continue with Lent as a strong motivation to be DOERS, not just TALKERS!
Bro. Rene

Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Good Leaven

In today's Gospel passage, Mark 8:14-23), Jesus talks about leaven and the feeding of the 5,000 and the 4,000 with just a bit of bread and a few fish.  Jesus warns against the "bad" leaven, that of the Pharisees and of Herod, rules and attitudes that do not cause a healthy rising of the dough, but fill it with that which poisons the soul. The good leaven however, comes from God, makes the dough rise high and light, and enables more good loaves to be distributed...Faith, certainly is an element of this good leaven, and so is our daily prayer routine, along with something highly recommended by Brother Lawrence of the Resurrection and St. Marcellin:  the practice of the Presence of God.  Being aware of God's presence during our day, conversing with God as we go from place to place and task to task, helps to make holy what we do and the people with whom we live and work. We find meaning in even the most insignificant tasks and routine conversations...God becomes a third party giving energy to all we say and do...It's like taking periodic slugs of RED BULL.  No bad side-effects, however, only good ones...With Lent coming up, this might be a good time to put this good leaven into our daily diet.
Bro. Rene

Monday, February 17, 2020

Asking For Signs

When the Pharisees asked for a sign, after witnessing a series of miracles, including the feeding of four thousand, Jesus sighs "from the depth of his spirit." (Mk 8: 11).  We've probably been in that same place when someone asks about something we just said as if they never heard it.  The thought goes through our mind:  "Are you deaf?" and we retort: "I just told you!"  It's hard not to be exasperated or short-tempered. Jesus, in his frustration says "no more signs" and crosses to the other shore.  We feel like doing the same.
And yet, how much do we pester him in our impatience for an answer, even at times also asking for a sign? It would be so much easier if he did give us a sign; sometimes he does, but most often he does not. There's where our faith is tested and we learn patience and trust.  We are slow learners, and will be tested many times in our lives until we really "get it." Perhaps we can work on giving God a sign that we have finally learned to wait for his move in his time.
Bro. Rene

Sunday, February 16, 2020

Beyond Moses

Our gospel today is taken from the "Sermon on the Mount" (Mt 5:17-37). Jesus makes it clear that he did not come to abolish the Law of Moses, but to fulfill it, to enhance it, to add a new dimension to it.  He charges us to go beyond the letter, the rule, the commandment into a stronger motive than fear of punishment to love as the basis and reason for keeping these commandments. Jesus moves us a step further, for example, it's not only killing that's evil, but being angry with our brother or neighbor; it's not only adultery that is bad, but also lustful thoughts; it's not only love your neighbor, but love your enemies!  Jesus stretches us beyond Moses to a new love-based dimension of living the commandments.  He is the "new Moses." May we gladly follow his Law of Love.
Bro Rene

Saturday, February 15, 2020

Jesus Feeds Us Over and Over Again

Note:  I missed the deadline for posting yesterday by seconds!  Find yesterday;s Valentine slice below this:

Mark's second miracle of the multiplication of the loaves,this time feeding 4,000 with 7 loaves and a few fishes (Mk 8:1-10) reminds us that Jesus knows our needs and will never stop taking care of them, repeating favors, answers to prayers, dispensing of his love and gifts over and over again, causing us to repeat "God is Good...All the Time."  He needs to keep feeding us; we need to keep repeating this response right up until we pass through the "pearly gates"..and perhaps all through eternity!
Bro. Rene

Friday, February 14, 2020

Extending Love

Valentine's Day,  now a multi-billion dollar retail boon,  has its origins in England when mating birds in mid-February motivated people to celebrate the gift of love during a dreary part of winter.  St. Valentine's name was attached to the ensuing celebrations because as a priest during the persecution of the emperor Claudius  II, he married people who were forbidden to marry and assisted Christians as they were preparing to be slaughtered, which later happened to him.
The sacrifice of Jesus, his healing of the deaf mute in today's gospel, and the work of Sts. Cyril and Methodius among the Slavic peoples of Europe show how far love can be extended, the love that signifies laying down one's life for another.
Happy Valentine's Day.
Bro. Rene

Thursday, February 13, 2020

God Honors Our Desires

Our readings today highlight God's heeding our desires:  Solomon, the once wisdom-gifted and faithful king of Israel, fell into idolatry and built a place of worship for the idol Molech. God appeared to him twice to remonstrate him and urge him not to follow a strange god.  Solomon refused,  God Answered:  "Since this is what you want, and have not kept my covenant and my  statues, which I enjoined on you, I will deprive you of the kingdom and give it to your servant." (1 Kgs 11:11).
On the other hand, the Syrophoencian woman made her desire for the cure of her possessed daughter clear as she insisted so strongly that Jesus complied with her wish.  (Mk 7: 24-30).  There's an old adage that says, "Be careful what you wish for, lest it come true." (Aesop's Fables)  May we choose the path of this faith-filled woman and not that of Solomon.
Bro. Rene

Wednesday, February 12, 2020

A Pure And Undefiled Heart

St. Augustine wrote that "Our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee."  Our hearts tell who we are as well. Jesus reminds us today that it is what comes from inside a person is what defiles him or her, not things that come from without. Inside, in the heart,  can reside the formidable list that Jesus gives us:  "evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness,  envy, blasphemy, arrogance, and folly." (Mk 7:23).  What lies within is often visible in the face.  The face of Judas in da Vinci's Last Supper was once the innocent, pure face of a man who posed for Jesus 11 years before.  A life of depravity had hardened it to be the face that da Vinci searched for years.  On the other hand, the face of a person with a pure and undefiled heart radiates that inner goodness unmistakably.  We might say, "by their faces you shall know them." Renowned French spiritual direct, Fr. Jacques Philippe, writes that "The most powerful guard of a pure heart is the spirit of faith by which we see God's hand in everything that comes to us...." (Magnificat, Feburary,  p. 167)
Bro. Rene

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

Loving and Serving From The Heart

Jesus comes across strong in today's gospel passage when he responds to the Pharisees and scribes who were criticizing  the Apostles for not washing their hands properly, as prescribed by the Law. (Mk 7:1-13). He reminded them about honoring God with their lips and not with their hearts.  Powerful...And so easy to slip into...Marriages, the raising of children, the administration of a school, anything and anyone are susceptible to the spiritual and emotional torpor that dissolves relationships.  Our relationship with God is at risk as well if we do not remain faithful to prayer, praying with Scripture and attending worship on the weekend...Sundays, preferably.  Without a solid base, the structure lists for awhile and eventually tumbles. Let us, then, honor, relate to God from the heart and not merely from the lips...
Bro. Rene

Monday, February 10, 2020

Jesus Continues Healing

Mark's chapter 6 continues with another flood of people needing healing. (Mk 6: 53-56).  The flood-tide never diminishes, it seems, and as endless as the need is, so the mercy and healing powers of Jesus never cease. The lesson for us: never hesitate to come back to Jesus time after time, even with the same request. He is always there and will eventually grant our request...even to send us on our way...till the next time.  And then he will continue to hear us.
For a change, however, it might be a pleasant surprise to say to Jesus...Lord, I come to you, simply to be at your side as your friend, to enjoy being with you, without an agenda, without a need for you to fulfill.  It will bring a new form of healing.  Try it today.
Bro. Rene

Sunday, February 9, 2020

Salty and Light-Giving

In this short passage from Matthew, 5:13-16, Jesus packs a wallop of a challenge with two powerful metaphors:  salt and light..."You are the salt of the earth....You are the light of the world." (Mt 5: 13, 14).  Salt puts "bite" into our food, sharpens its natural flavors and stimulates our taste buds.  With out it, our foods is flat and bland.  Without vibrant, courageous, "salty" living of our faith, it too remains flat and bland.  this is not the practice of the faith that is going to bring light to others,  to illumine their hearts and paths and make God's love desirable.  Darkness will continue.  No, our faith, our love,  must be VISIBLE, not hidden under the bushel basket of silence, routine or mediocrity.  It must be salty with conviction and determination, and bright with confidence and love. Our light, our love, can surely make faith salty, desirable, and as challenging to others as Jesus's words are to us. May I hear and act on my mission to be salt and light. If I don't who will? 
Bro Rene

Saturday, February 8, 2020

Resting In Jesus

We can imagine the conversation, the animation, the joy, the wonder as the apostles reported to Jesus "all they had done and taught." (Mk 6:30).  But, like a good parent or a good coach, Jesus knew that this :"high" would not, could not last, so he told them to come away with him, away from the clamoring crowds and rest for awhile.  They were so besieged that they didn't even have time to eat.. So, a place away from this was the only answer, if they were to sustain the energy needed to continue their mission., Yet even this didn't work for long, as the people found them and swamped them again for healing and the teachings that would satisfy their longings.  Jesus, whose heart was moved with pity for them, complied to their needs and began to teach them. (cf. Mk 6:29-34).
In our own lives, the needs of others, our families, colleagues, friends, sometimes even strangers, pull us away from our rest and solitude, but as Jesus found the strength because of the love in his heart, we too, out of love can do the same.  Love is the most powerful source of energy and :"supply" in the world, especially the love of and for God.  Balance is important, but acting through God's love is key.
Bro Rene

Friday, February 7, 2020

God's Love Again Triumphs

The death of John the Baptist, a familiar story, finds itself as our gospel reading to day. (Mk 6: 14-29). It is a senseless murder based on hatred, jealousy and fear, not unlike the martyrdoms over the centuries.  John is referred to as the "Proto-Martyr", the first, the pattern-setter for all the subsequent martyrs, at some points in history reaching from 8,000 to 100,000 per year, startling figures for sure.  We read yesterday of St. Paul Miki and his companions; God know what's going on today.  Yet, as Tertullian, one of the ancient Fathers said, "The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church."  Their faith, their blood nourishes the faith of countless others in all parts of the world. Who knows what martyrs are having an effect on the Central Catholic students making an Encounter that the Brookwoods Retreat Center in Alton, New Hampshire, or the men making a Cursillo at St. Basil's in Methuen, Massachusetts this weekend?  God's love love works miracles, hard hearts soften, lives change, God triumphs.  It is humbling to be part of God's mysterious and effective ways. John is beheaded, Jesus is crucified, yet New Life spreads world-wide.  It has for 2,000 years and will not stop.
Bro. Rene .

Thursday, February 6, 2020

Called To Preach The Good News

Today's remarkable passage of "the summons" not only sent the disciples on a mission of preaching repentance, driving out demons, and curing the sick but has also inspired others through the centuries to do the same.  St. Francis Xavier took this passage (Mk 6:7-13) seriously and became the apostle of India and Japan.  God worked marvels through him and twenty years after his arrival in Japan, there were 200,000 Catholics. so much so that the Emperor felt threatened and began a severe persecution to stamp them out.
In 1597, Paul Miki, a Jesuit and his companions, were crucified and lanced with swords after a brutal 400 mile march through Japan as examples of what would happen to anyone who embraced this new religion.
The summons goes out still to each one of us.  How can we bring the good news to others?  How much are we willing to suffer in so doing?  It may not mean phyical martyrdom, but verbal abuse,  ridicule or rejection. St. Paul Miki and Companions, give us the courage you had to lay down our lives for the sake of the Gospel as you did.
Bro. Rene

Wednesday, February 5, 2020

Ordinary People

When Jesus began  to teach in the synagogue in his native place, he was in the eyes of the people, not a leaned scholar, not a Scribe nor a Pharisee, but simply "the carpenter's son." (Mk 6: 1-6).  He was not accepted even though his miraculous cures should have given him all the credentials he would have needed.
His "ordinariness" is a cue to each one of us to witness, to teach by example, or even word,  about  God's loving presence among us.  Jesus was, on one level, an "ordinary person"; we too are ordinary people, but God uses the "ordinary", the weak and the "fool" to confound the strong and the wise. (cf. 1 Cor 1:27). May we have confidence in what he can do in and through each one of us,, and not hold back.  Boldness and audacity should mark our living of the Gospel, not fear nor timidity.'
Bro .Rene

Tuesday, February 4, 2020

The Power of Faith

Two healings greet us today and help us see the power of faith in action.  While on his way to heal the daughter of Jairus, a synagogue official, Jesus was interrupted by a woman who had suffered from hemorrhages for twelve years.  She believed that by simply touching his clothing she would be cured.  Her faith was rewarded and she was cured. (Mk 5:25-34).
Arriving at the home of Jairus, Jesus found the girl had already died, but this did not prevent him from honoring the faith of Jairus by raising her from the dead, a further testimony to the power of faith and a preview of his own resurrection. (Mk  5:35-43)
We have recently seen the unsteady faith of the disciples in their boat during the storm while Jesus slept.  To strengthen their faith, he bade the winds to cease, and they did.  Our frail human nature hesitates to profess the faith of the synagogue official and the bleeding woman, or to take the risk of faith in responding to God's daily call to step into the unknown and do something bold brash for him.
At the same time,, Jesus does not hesitate to keep inviting us to a deeper faith, no matter how many times we balk and bray.  As he is patient with us, may we be patient with ourselves until we reach the level of fearless, valorous faith.
Bro. Rene

Monday, February 3, 2020

Deliver Us From Evil

The Memorial of St. Blase, Bishop and Martyr, patron of those with ailments of the throat and other illnesses, reminds us that the need for physical healing is always on the table. Our own aches and pains daily remind us that like an old Ford Truck, rust sets in and parts "give out."  The pandemic Coronavirus has set the world into near panic, as the stock market in China suffers and affects other markets and has taken a big bite out of airline travel.  Mental illness abounds and depression from job loss, or a sudden death leave people in psychological chains analogous to the Gerasene in today's gospel. (Mk 5:1-20) We asked St. Blase to heal us from throat and other illnesses this morning as part of an ancient tradition; he worked miracles in his lifetime, saved a boy choking on a fish bone, for example, and makes us aware that praying for healing works. May we pray with faith to God through the intercession of St. Blase or our favorite saints for the gift of healing.
Bro. Rene

Sunday, February 2, 2020

A Double Celebration

Today we observe two celebrations:  the ancient Presentation of the Lord, (Candlemass Day) and the newer World Day for Consecrated Life.  The former dates back to the fourth century and marks the purification of Mary and the consecration of her Son to God.  Mary did not need "purification" for she was conceived sinless, but humbly complied with the Law.  Neither did Jesus need consecration to God, for he IS God, but again, humbly followed the dictates of the Law of Moses.  The Old Man, Simeon, who had been awaiting the promised Messiah, proclaimed him the a "light for revelation to the Gentiles,/ the glory for your people Israel." (Lk 2: 32 )  He also blessed Mary and Joseph warning them that the child would be destined for the rise and fall of many, a sign that would be contradicted, and that a sword of sorrow would pierce the heart of Mary. (Lk 2: 34).  Anna, a widow who spent her life in prayer in the Temple, gave thanks God and spoke about the child as the one who would save his people.  All of which came true.
This is a fitting day to celebrate those who have consecrated their lives exclusively to the service of God as light to the people of God, and a visible sign of God's presence among them.  It is a day to thank God that people can still devote themselves entirely to spreading the light of Christ, and it is a time to pray for others to join them. And, oh, yes, it is Super Bowl Sunday, somehow far less significant than these other Super Events!
Bro. Rene

Saturday, February 1, 2020

Quiet! Be Still

With these three words, "Quiet! Be still", Jesus calmed the storm that had the disciples in a panic. He, evidently was not worried, for he had been asleep on a cushion in their boat. (cf. Mk 4:35-41).
How often do we approach "near panic" when we are faced with decisions, choices, challenges, or demands that seem to engulf us as did the squall on the lake? Rather than lose sleep, (Jesus didn't), we need to let him "take charge", calm the raging waters and bellowing winds, and give us the words, the solutions, and the peace which have escaped us.  First thing, be quiet...second, recognize that Jesus can and will solve the problem, usually, if not always, better than we. Invite him daily to calm the storms, even before they arise. We punish ourselves needlessly with worry if we don't.
Bro Rene