ACC ~ Matthew 8 v24

THE HEIGHT OF THE STORM TESTS THE PILOT’S SKILL

PETER CHRYSOLOGUS: The sea offered its heaving back for Christ to walk upon. Now it leveled its crests to a plain, checked its swelling and bound up its billows. It provided rocklike firmness, so he could walk across the waterway. Why did the seas heave so, and toss and pitch, even as if threatening its Creator? And why did Christ himself, who knows all the future, seem so unaware of the present that he gave no thought to the onrushing storm, the moment of its height and the time of its peril? While all the rest were awake, he alone was fast asleep even with utter doom threatening both himself and his dear ones. Why? It is not a calm sky, beloved, but the storm which tests a pilot’s skill. When the breeze is mild even the poorest sailor can manage the ship. But in the crosswinds of a tempest, we want the best pilot with all his skill. SERMONS 20.1. [1]

[1] CCL 24:116-17; FC 17:61-62*.

WHY DOES HE SLEEP?

CHRYSOSTOM: He sleeps to give occasion for their timidity and to make their perception of what was happening more distinct. … He permits the storm, that by their deliverance they might attain to a clearer perception of that benefit. THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW, HOMILY 28.1. [1]

[1] PG 57:351; NPNF 1 10:190.

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