Job 38:1, 8-11
In the First Reading, God shows Job that He is greater than even the fearsome force of the sea, locking up the raging waters behind bars. Job learns this lesson: if God rules over natural forces that infinitely surpass human powers, then He certainly can tame and direct human destinies.
Mark 4:35-41
The Gospel Reading places us in a boat battling to stay afloat during a bad storm. Incredulously, Jesus remains asleep, resting comfortably in the care of the Father who keeps careful watch over Him and His mission. At the disciples’ insistence, Jesus awakens and commands the furious gale to quiet and be still. Of course, we know the real raging storm Jesus came to silence is the chaos of our sin which He will tame in His death on the Cross.