NOTES for Act 27:27-44
The Book of Acts is the story of Christ's continuing presence in the Church after His ascension. We have already read how the apostles preached, healed, and comforted; that is, they did everything Jesus had commanded them when He said: "He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do" (Jn 14:12). Today's episode continues this parallel between Christ's earthly, tangible presence described in the Gospel and the actions of His disciples.
Once again there is a ship before us, once again a storm, frightened and desperate people, and in their midst someone who sees imitation of Christ as the meaning of his life. He does not stop the storm with an authoritative word, but he comforts the people, gives them hope of salvation, repeating words once spoken by the Teacher: "Not a hair from the head of any of you will perish." As Paul wrote, not each of us is called to perform real miracles and signs. But his appeal applies to everyone: "Imitate me, as I imitate Christ." And today we read how this happens in life...