The Catholic Calendar for Sunday, June 25, 2006
Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Job 38:1, 8-11
Psalm 107:23-24, 25-26, 28-29, 30-31
2 Corinthians 5:14-17
Mark 4:35-41
A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:
Our readings this week are all about storms. Storms can be very frightening. Hurricanes are much worse. People in New Orleans and Mississippi are still recovering from Katrina, and already we’re beginning another hurricane season. The awesome forces of nature unleashing its power caused fear in many hearts, very like the fear the apostles felt in that boat on the Sea of Galilee in today’s Gospel. They knew very well the dangers when Jesus suggested that they embark from the Jewish side of the lake over to pagan territory. Then Jesus went sound asleep on a cushion in the stern of the ship. The danger was real, and they were terror-stricken. Quickly they awoke Jesus. “Teacher,” they cried, “Do you not care that we are perishing?” And at a short command from the Lord of the sea, the waves were calmed! They must have been a bit exasperated when Jesus rebuked them for their lack of faith. “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” they questioned one another.
How do we react when the storms of life overwhelm us? If the storms are far away, and the thunder a distant rumble, do we at least pray for those in danger? And if the storms are quite close, threatening our spiritual well-being, do we take God’s hand and trust? How about physical harm? A threat to our health or to our very life? No matter what kind of storm we face, there is nothing that a rocklike faith cannot get us through! Even if we think God is sleeping or unconcerned, He’s very aware of our need.
Above all, let’s remember that even Job in today’s first reading was tempted to think God unfair, and decided to take him to court! God will never try us beyond our endurance, but will take issue with danger and rescue us from harm. We have another intercessor as well. When storms threaten, look to Mary, star of the sea. Try her! She will not fail to hear our prayer.
- Msgr. Paul Whitmore
(smartins at frontiernet dot net)
20060625