Boundless Grace for Turbulent Times
““Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.””
Given the striking depth of color and detailed naturalism, you might think Ludolf Backhuysen's "Christ in the Storm on the Sea of Galilee" is a contemporary work of art. In fact, it dates to 1695, during the Dutch Golden Age of painting. Backhuysen, renowned for his dramatic seascapes, brings his mastery of maritime scenes to this biblical narrative, creating a powerful visual representation of the Gospel story we encounter in Mark 6:45-52.
The painting captures the moment of highest drama in the narrative. The disciples' boat, dwarfed by towering waves, teeters precariously in the storm-tossed sea. Dark, roiling clouds dominate the upper portion of the canvas, broken only by a shaft of divine light illuminating Christ as he approaches the boat. This interplay of light and shadow powerfully illustrates the theme of God's grace penetrating our darkest moments, a central message in this week's readings.
Backhuysen's attention to the disciples' reactions is particularly poignant. Their faces, barely discernible in the gloom, register a mix of terror and awe - mirroring the text's description of their fear and amazement. This human element reminds us of our own struggles with faith in the face of life's storms, echoing Paul's prayer in Ephesians that we might be "strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being."
The figure of Christ, serene amidst the chaos, serves as a powerful visual metaphor for this week's themes. He embodies the "boundless riches of God's grace" described in Ephesians. It's a striking reminder that God's power transcends natural laws and that His presence can bring peace even in the midst of life's most turbulent storms.
As we contemplate this masterpiece, we're invited to see ourselves in the disciples' boat, facing our own storms. The painting challenges us, as does our Gospel reading, to look beyond our immediate circumstances to the ever-present Christ, whose grace is sufficient for all our needs.
"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."
— Ephesians 3:20
Tenth Sunday after Pentecost
Texts for This Week
Prayer
Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than we either desire or deserve: Pour down upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Christ on the Sea
The contemporary Icelandic hymn "Nú hverfur sól í haf" (Now the sun sinks into the sea) beautifully complements this week's themes of God's boundless grace and power over nature. As the lyrics describe the setting sun and approaching darkness, we're reminded of the disciples' fear in the boat as evening fell on the Sea of Galilee. The choir sings in haunting chords of God's watchful presence through the night, and we think of Jesus came to his disciples, walking on the water and calming their fears with his words, "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
I haven’t been able to find an English version of the hymn, but here are the lyrics translated into English (Thanks, Google!)
Now the sun disappears into the sea
and the hum comes quickly.
I praise the good God,
who gives day and night,
my waking day, my dream and night.
You watch, our father,
and protect your children,
as wide as the world is
and a star of hope shines
one star of sound in the sky shines.
Let this night be filled
with new hope and faith
in the darkness of hell and sorrow
and wherever you are forgotten
on earth, who you have and love.
Come, night, with grace and peace,
come closer, my father high,
and lay your touchstone
on life's ills and wounds,
all man's woes, every breach and wound.
The hymn's imagery of a solitary star shining in the quiet sky evokes the vastness of God's creation, and echoes Paul's prayer in Ephesians that we might grasp "how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ." This cosmic perspective reminds us that God's grace extends beyond our immediate circumstances, just as Jesus' power extended beyond natural laws when he walked on water.
In its later verses, the hymn turns to themes of hope, faith, and healing. The plea for God to lay His touchstone against life's wounds and ailments reflects our need to trust God's all-sufficient grace, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. This mirrors Peter's initial trust as he stepped out onto the water, and challenges us to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus even when the winds of life buffet us.
As we listen to this hymn, let it serve as a reminder of God's constant presence and care, even in the darkest night or stormiest sea. May it inspire us to rest in God's boundless grace and trust in His power that is "able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine."
