God in Jesus calms even what seems like the most unconquerable disturbances, like storms at sea.

Interesting things happen when Jesus gets near water. It may turn into wine as it did at Cana, though that was atypical. A voice from heaven could make declarations of his favored status, as occurred near the Jordan. Healings might take place, as at the pools of Bethesda, or disciples could be made, as in Galilee.

There’s a great scene in the film Forrest Gump that relates to today’s readings. In the movie, Captain Dan lost his legs in a battle that he believes was a sign of his failure as a leader. In his anguish he wishes he had died on the battlefield. He is mad at God, at life, and at Forrest Gump for his unshakable faith in goodness.

When she was a small child, my daughter had a meltdown one day in the middle of the ornate lobby of her pediatrician’s office in downtown Chicago. She did not want to leave, but she didn’t want to stay. She had entered the dreaded toddler contrarian mode that no amount of cajoling can deactivate.

In the spirit of repentance for sins Saint John the Baptist preached, we make known our failures to our merciful God.

Why therefore be disturbed? Your heart is agitated by the tribulations of the world, as the boat in which Jesus Christ was asleep. . . . This boat in which Jesus Christ is sleeping is your heart in which faith is slumbering. What news do you hear, O Christian, what news do you hear?