Who Then is This?

by Deacon Lorna Goodison on June 21, 2021

“Who is like you, Lord God of hosts? O mighty Lord, your faithfulness is all around you. You rule the raging of the sea and still the surging of its waves.” (Psalm 89:8-9)

 For the Psalmist, the invincible power of God over nature is the true measure of God’s greatness. Seas and waves pose no threat to God, for He is their maker and master.

 The raging storms of life pose no threat to God either. Facing an extremely turbulent storm years ago, I spent some time alone searching for answers. My tears flowed and I cried out, “God, do you really care?”

 In my tumult, the bible I was holding fell. I picked it up, and it opened to Joshua 1. I read until I discerned God’s powerful voice addressing me, through His words to Joshua!

 “I hereby command you; be strong and courageous…. for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” (V.9) I was strengthened and consoled! God is sovereign, faithful and compassionate! 

  In Sunday’s Gospel (Mark 4:35-41), the sea’s powerful wind and waves seemed untamable, like the raging storms of life. The disciples in the storm-tossed boat were overwhelmed.

 They cried out to Jesus who was asleep, “teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus arose, rebuked the wind and commanded the sea to be still.

 Jesus restored order to nature by His word! The disciples’ fear was transformed to awe. Attempting to make sense of this transcendent experience, they asked, “who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” Their profound question would lead to deeper understanding of who Jesus is.

 Jesus’ authority over wind and sea expresses the invincible power of God dwelling in Him. Jesus is One with God. He is the Son of God in flesh.

 Just as Jesus spoke order into disordered nature, He came to redeem us, disordered humanity, for entry into God’s kingdom.

 Jesus died for us and was raised, demonstrating His power over even death. Peter who witnessed Jesus’ power later wrote, “cast all your cares upon Him for He cares for you.”

 Our storms are opportunities to experience God’s mighty, caring presence and grow in faith, trusting His everlasting love. 

Tags: storms, faithfulness, faithful, opportunities, strong, trusting, courageous

About the Author
Deacon Lorna Goodison

Reverend Lorna Goodison was ordained to the Diaconate on April 29, 2007. After discerning a call to ordained ministry, Deacon Lorna completed a process of spiritual discernment and pursued three years of study at the Diocesan School for Christian Studies. She also completed three units of hospice care training through Vitas and for a short while she was a volunteer Chaplain. Highlights of her continuing education activities include a guided visit to Israel and attending the Festival of Homiletics in Boulder, Colorado.

Soon after her ordination, Deacon Lorna was called to serve as Deacon at St. Mary Magdalene. She initiated an outreach ministry to the homeless at St. Laurence Chapel, obtaining the support and involvement of most members of the congregation. This ministry remained a vibrant outreach of the Church until the Chapel closed in 2019.  Other outreach ministries formed include an informal group of members who stay in touch with members who are ill and shut-in. Deacon Lorna remains committed to both the in-reach and outreach ministries of the Church. She has led quiet day reflections for groups within and outside of St. Mary Magdalene. She has often led Deacon’s Masses at small churches without a priest. Of all the ministries in which Deacon Lorna participates, she is most humbled and grateful to be involved in the ministry of praying with congregants facing life’s challenges.

Deacon Lorna serves the Diocese of Southeast Florida as a member of the Disciplinary Committee. She also serves on the Board of Deacons.   

Professionally, Deacon Lorna worked for some years in Human Resource Departments as a Training Manager, but most of her working years were spent in Social Work. She worked with at-risk teenagers counselling them and guiding them to resources to build a meaningful future. The last twenty years of her profession, were spent working with Seniors, guiding them to the resources needed to maintain their safety and independence. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a master’s degree in Adult Education. She is now retired, cherishes some alone time for prayer and reflection, but divides her time between the Church and her family which consists of two daughters, their husbands and three grandchildren.

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