The Gospel for October 9, 2004 (Robert Grosseteste)
Luke 8:16-25
“No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar, or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light. For nothing is hidden that will not be disclosed, nor is anything secret that will not become known and come to light. Then pay attention to how you listen; for to those who have, more will be given; and from those who do not have, even what they seem to have will be taken away.” Then his mother and his brothers came to him, but they could not reach him because of the crowd. And he was told, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.” But he said to them, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” One day he got into a boat with his disciples, and he said to them, “Let us go across to the other side of the lake.” So they put out, and while they were sailing he fell asleep. A windstorm swept down on the lake, and the boat was filling with water, and they were in danger. They went to him and woke him up, shouting, “Master, Master, we are perishing!” And he woke up and rebuked the wind and the raging waves; they ceased, and there was a calm. He said to them, “Where is your faith?” They were afraid and amazed, and said to one another, “Who then is this, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?” -- The New Jerusalem Bible. Garden City, N.Y.: Doubleday, 1995, c1985
A Study
Two hard sayings and a miracle in so short a space!
Those who had been listening to the good news (or today, have an open mind to it) will be able to learn more about Jesus and the salvation He brings. Contrari-wise, those whose minds are closed to possibility will not receive the grace awaiting them for the asking.
Jesus opens his "family" to all who are obedient to God's word, not only those to whom he is related by a high-match of DNA. This is not a sign of disrespect to his family, but a sign of openness to any who would be the children of God.
The mustard seed analogy leaps to mind as Jesus once again reminds his followers about faith, and scolds them in the doing of it. The sea ("the waters") since before Abraham had been a symbol of danger, chaos, and mystery. YHWH tamed it before creation. Noah survived it. Moses parted it. Now, Jesus calms it.
A Reflection
"... even the wind and the water, and they obey him?"
These people weren't all that slow on the uptake. Remember that what our children grasp instantly, as parts of the world learned about in Sunday School, and lived out on a daily basis, was all brand new to Jesus' cohort. Every time he healed another sick, lame, dumb, blind, or deaf person, there was new learning. "He can do that, too!" But being able to abstract that this man among them, in addition to his uncanny knack for healing, also had other powers as well: now that was a bit over the top.
But, as with the story of the lamp -- who would cover a lighted lamp? -- he chastises them for not recognizing that they were shielded by his power over nature. They were not able to extend their concept of his power over healing nature's creatures ... to the whole of creation.
How full of faith are we?
The Collect
O God our heavenly Father, who raised up your faithful servant Robert Grosseteste to be a bishop and pastor in your Church and to feed your flock: Give to all pastors abundant gifts of your Holy Spirit, that they may minister in your household as true servants of Christ and stewards of your divine mysteries; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
11:01:30 PM 
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