Ancient people saw God's hand in natural disasters. Our own views have matured, for we know that God does not cause earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. Those who wrote the Bible believed that Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed because of their wickedness. But far more wicked cities have prospered, while innocent people have suffered. The lesson from this story is that the people were given a chance to repent, and God even promised Lot that the cities would not be destroyed if he could find ten good people. It doesn't sound like many, but they were unable to find ten. It shows us that our own righteousness and prayers are powerful and matter a great deal.

The disciples were terrified and convinced that they were going to perish in the storm. Jesus rebuked the wind and sea and all was calm. They were stunned, but Jesus was disappointed. He pointed out that they had little faith. Faith is not doctrine or dogma, but absolute trust in the power, goodness, and fidelity of God in all situations. We are told elsewhere in the Gospel that faith can move mountains. Our world is a mess because our collective faith has become weak and filled with doubt. A group of faith-filled people praying together can work miracles.