Perhaps Jesus was tired out by the whole day’s preaching. He lay his head on a pillow at the rear of the boat and was in deep slumber (Mk 4:30). The sea suddenly turned violent. The boat was about to sink. The disciples of Jesus were aghast. They who were expert swimmers might escape. But their anxiety was centred on their master. All the same when they woke up Jesus what they cried out was, "Lord, save us lest we perish". According to St Mathew, what Jesus did before calming the storm was to rebuke them asking, "Where then, is your faith?" and then consoling them. The result was miraculous. In a moment the storm winds susbsided and the roaring waves began gently lashing against the shores and the boat glided forward.
 
 

In the voyage through the sea of life most people come across unexpected crises. Illness, accident, financial loss, loneliness, loss of reputation, despair, treachery-such unexpected events may occur. On such occasions the inspiring response is revealed to us in the cry of the Apostles to be saved. In the depths of our heart abides Jesus our Saviour. Though he appears to be asleep at times, he is always on the watch. If only we can touch him and awake him, we are safe.

Only those who have faith can call out and arouse Jesus. In the letter to the Hebrews, we have a meaningful description of faith which is a theological virtue. "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen"(Heb 11:1). In the following verses there are beautiful, thought -provoking references to the great things the ancients achieved through this faith. It will be hightly beneficial to go through this passage at least cursorily.
 
 

"By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain’s. Through this he received approval as righteous, God himself giving approval to his gifts; he died, but through his faith he still speaks. By faith Enoch was taken so that he did not experience death; and ‘he was not found, because God had taken him’. For it was attested before he was taken away that ‘he had pleased God’ " (Heb 11:4-5). The author proceeds to state: "And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him... By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to set out for a place that he was to receive as an inheritance; and he set out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he stayed for a time in the land he had been promised, as in a foreign land, living in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise... By faith he received power of procreation, even though he was too old- and Sarah herself was barren-because he considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one person, and this one as good as dead, decendants were born, as many as the stars of heaven and as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore" (Heb 11:6,8-9;11-12).

This incident gives consolation and enthusiasm to childless couples.When subjected to trials, when put to the test, Abraham, through faith, surrendered Isaac unconditionally. Though Isaac was the son of promise and his only progeny, Abraham was ready to sacrifice him. God’s promise was that his descendents would be named through Isaac. Through faith he got his son back (cf Gen 22:1-10;21:12 ).

“By faith Isaac invoked blessings for the future on Jacob and Esau. By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, ‘bowing in worship over the top of his staff’. By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave instructions about his burial” (Heb 11:20-22).

"By faith Moses was hidden by his parents for three months after his birth, because they saw that the child was beautiful; and they were not afraid of the king’s edict. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called a son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to share ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. He considered abuse suffered for the Christ to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to the reward. By faith the left Egypt, unafraid of the king’s anger; for he persevered as though he saw him who is invisible. By faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch the firstborn of Israel" (Heb 23-28).
 
 

Through faith the Israelites crossed the Red Sea as if it were dry land. When the Egyptians, tried to do the same, they were drowned. When the Israelites went in procession on seven days round the city of Jericho, the city walls collapsed (cf Josh 6:12-21). Let us think of people like Gideon, Barak, Samson, Japhtha, David, Samuel and the prophets who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, obtained promises, shut the mouth of lions, quenched raging fire, escaped the edge of the sword, acquired strength in weakness, became strong in battle and defeated the enemy. Women received their dead by resurrection. Others were tortured, refusing to accept release, in order to obtain a better resurrection (cf 1 Kings 17:17-24; 2 Kings 4:25-37).

The author of Hebrews states in chapter 12 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God"(Heb 12:1-2).