The Catholic Calendar for Monday, June 27, 2005
Monday of the Thirteenth Week in Ordinary Time
St. Cyril of Alexandria, bishop and doctor of the Church

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Genesis 18:16-33
Psalm 103:1-4, 8-11
Matthew 8:18-22

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Today we hear the strange story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah and the familiar Gospel about Jesus calming the stormy sea. Perhaps the most terrifying and believable evidence that there is a Great Power that has influence over creation occurs in the catastrophic events of nature. I dare say that those who have witnessed such power are literally brought to their knees, whether they wanted to or not.

Scriptural phrases like, "Lord who alone knows your fury", come to mind when in fact I have cowered helpless in our little one-room log cabin on top of a vulnerable knoll when thunder, lightning, hail and the driving rain of a fierce summer storm raged outside. Nowhere to hide in our log home with two sides constructed of mostly glass. I have rushed to the cellar staircase with rosary in hand to "ride it out."

Yes, I too am brought to my knees and have wondered why like the Apostles in the pitching boat at sea I am so inordinately afraid. It comes to mind that faced with the undeniable power of God, I am petrified. Realizing this I began to come up with a strategy to quell my fear. It was nothing more than remembering that God is a God of power, might, love and compassion, and that all creation obeys His will. I too will try to do obey and forever cry out, "Lord, all my hope is in Your mercy."

I have become less afraid.

- Donna Raye Nelson, OCDS
(drn3rd at hotmail dot com)

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