We are consoled by being reassured that Jesus can step into our boat when it is rocked by the storms of life. These happen every day – in our families, in our city, in our nation, and in the world. And no matter how unsettling and terrifying, we can count on the Lord’s commitment to be with us, personally and communally.

When Jesus saved the disciples, they asked themselves, “Who is this man who can calm the wind and the sea?”.

He is the presence among us of the invisible loving God. And this is truly comforting.

But after the Resurrection and Pentecost, we are the Christophers – the Christ bearers. We are Christ to one another. We are the ones who now have to step in and calm the storms around us.

We are the ones who are called to live all the virtues St. Paul enumerates: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

But that may not be so easy – indeed, it may be disconcerting, daunting and indeed frightening – as emotional and economic turmoil swirls around us and we of little faith have to bring order and peace and comfort to others.

Yet, the Gospel assures us that Jesus is present within us and among us and that wind and seas can be calmed.