Gospel Reflection for June 20th – 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By Brother Michael

All at sea!

Dramatic films, plays and novels normally use the image of the storm as a symbol to talk about difficulties or struggles. We may even use phrases such as going through a stormy patch, the storms of life, or being all at sea to describe times in our lives when we are in trouble or feel overwhelmed. This is the experience of the disciples of Jesus in our gospel today.

Having finished speaking to the crowd, Jesus said to his followers, ‘Let us cross over to the other side. And leaving the crowd behind, they took him, in the boat. Then it began to blow a gale and the waves were breaking into the boat so that it was almost swamped.’ So literally, the disciples are all at sea and caught in the eye of the storm. Where is Jesus while all this is happening? ‘…he was in the stern, head on the cushion, asleep. In a panic, they wake Jesus and I imagine scream at him; ‘Master do not care? We are going down!’ Jesus wakes and calms the waves and wind. Then he turns his attention to those in the boat and says to them; ‘Why were you frightened? How is it that you have little faith?’Jesus not only calms the storm, he also calms his friends.

This past year has been one like no other! For many it was a storm that overwhelmed us. There may have been times when we felt powerless and not fully in control, much like those in the boat. There was lockdown and social distancing. Churches, schools, offices and shops were closed. Many lost their jobs and too many died because of Covid. We are now living with the consequences of being ill and so many have to cope with the pain of bereavement. We have, each in our own way, been through a storm and some may still feel like they are still in one.

This is both an encouraging and challenging gospel. It assures us that no matter what we experience regardless of how difficult or painful it may be, Jesus is very much with us, just as he was with those in the boat. Let’s be honest, this is very easy to say, but it can be much harder to believe and experience. Sometimes it may seem as if we are on our own and perhaps we feel that our prayers are neither being heard or answered. Perhaps it seems to us that Jesus is asleep while we are in need of his help and protection. This is why this gospel is so challenging; it asks us to believe and trust that Jesus is with us when we when are struggling – when we feel as if we are caught in a storm.

When we are going through painful experiences, there is always the temptation that we try to deal with them by ourselves, relying on our own strength. This will only help in the short term. Eventually we will have to ask for help, both from those around us and from God. This is not a sign of weakness; it is in fact a sign of strength.

There is no way to avoid the experience of pain in our lives. Do we have any sense that Jesus is with us when we are struggling and feel like we are caught in a storm? Difficult as it can be, can we turn to Jesus and simply ask for help? In the gospel next week we will hear about the woman touches the hem of Jesus’ garment. Despite her pain and desperation, she had the courage and humility to ask for help. When we experience storms in our own daily lives, can we do the same?

Br Michael Moore OMI

I am certain that nothing can separate us from the God’s love; there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Jesus Christ. (Rmns. 8.39)

– Br Michael Moore OMI

‘Even the wind and the sea obey him’