March 21                                                                 Mark 4:35-41

When I was asked to write this Lenten Devotion I felt anxious. Like the disciples in the parable the waves beat into me as the gastric juices started to turn. I was already swamped with work and family obligations. How could I do one more thing without perishing?

Jesus says: Peace! Be Still.  Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?

Mark's leaves me wondering what is faith, how do I get it, how do I keep it and how do I remember to use my faith to help my when times are good and bad? This reading suggests to me that peace and stillness are ways to let faith creep in. I attended the last quite day at St. Martin's and experienced a renewed sense of faith during a stressful holiday season.

Peace. Be Still this season.

                                                                        Sheila Hoogeboom