Sunday of Creation (G)

Luke 8:19-25

¹⁹ Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. ²⁰ And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” ²¹ But he answered them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.”

²² One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set out, ²³ and as they sailed he fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water and were in danger. ²⁴ And they went and woke him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he awoke and rebuked the wind and the raging waves, and they ceased, and there was a calm. ²⁵ He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?”

The Spirit moves over the waters. The winds speed up and fill the water with turmoil. The people grow afraid. They see the danger all around them. But it is Jesus Christ the only Son of God who speaks and all creation answers. In the beginning, God created all things. Jesus comes to restore the turmoil to peace.

Many people struggle to understand how Jesus could reject his own flesh and blood. How could Jesus force his Mother and Brothers to stay outside? Jesus explains what it means to be a part of his family. Have you done what it takes? Do you do the Will of God? Do you do what you are told?

Many of us hear the Word of God as empty threats. But when Jesus stands up and commands nature, it obeys! All of Creation obeys its one true master. It is the Holy Spirit who works in all people obedience. But it is only through Christ’s sacrifice for your sins, that he makes you worthy. Christ claims as his brother. Christ will transform you in the Resurrection into an obedient son, but for the time being we suffer discipline, on account of sin.