ACC ~ Mark 4 v41b

AWAKENING THE CHRIST ASLEEP IN YOU

AUGUSTINE: When you have to listen to abuse, that means you are being buffeted by the wind. When your anger is roused, you are being tossed by the waves. So when the winds blow and the waves mount high, the boat is in danger, your heart is imperiled, your heart is taking a battering. On hearing yourself insulted, you long to retaliate; but the joy of revenge brings with it another kind of misfortune—shipwreck. Why is this? Because Christ is asleep in you. What do I mean? I mean you have forgotten his presence. Rouse him, then; remember him, let him keep watch within you, pay heed to him. … A temptation arises: it is the wind. It disturbs you: it is the surging of the sea. This is the moment to awaken Christ and let him remind you of those words: “Who can this be? Even the winds and the sea obey him.” SERMONS 63.1-3. [1]

THE AUTHOR OF THE DEEP

PRUDENTIUS:

His power and miracles proclaim him God.

I see the wild winds suddenly grow calm

When Christ commands; I see the stormtossed sea

Grow smooth, with tranquil surface bright,

At Christ’s behest; I see the waves grow firm

As the raging flood sustains his treading feet.

He walks dry-shod upon the flowing tide

And bears upon the flood with footsteps sure.

He chides the winds and bids the tempest cease.

Who would command the stormy gales: “Be still,

Your strongholds keep and leave the boundless sea,”

Except the Lord and maker of the winds? …

Who on the sea could walk, who with firm step

Upon the flood could without sinking tread

That path with soles upborne and feet unwet,

Except the author of the deep, the Spirit,

Poured from the Father’s lips, that moved across

The waves, not yet hemmed in by solid shores?

A HYMN ON THE TRINITY, LINES 649-79. [2]

[1] Cetedoc 0284, 63.38.424.20; Mt 8:27; Mk 4:41; Lk 8:25; JF B 92-93; PL 38. 424-25; cf. WSA 3 3:173-74.

[2] Cetedoc 1439, 646; FC 52:27.