12th Sunday in Ordinary Time
A squall is identified as a robust and violent gust of wind bringing rain, snow, or sleet. If you live on or near a body of water, you experience them often. I recall going offshore with my husband years ago, and a squall developed. We were frightened, and the adrenaline was running high, but we safely returned to shore.
Why do we instinctively connect God, who is all-powerful and compassionate, to inclement weather or suffering? In their midst, we refer to storms as acts of God. When over, unscathed, we thank God for sparing our lives. The answer may be in our DNA. From the beginning of time, people feared raging waters and believed that only God could create such chaos.
In the first reading, the Lord addresses Job, who is coming out of a storm. The Lord advises Job to recognize human limits and trust that God will take care of him and others. If we look around, we see the work of God in all of creation. We are reminded in Saint Paul’s letter that even Jesus suffered and died. He indeed died for all so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who, for their sake, died and was raised. When we believe and trust in Jesus, we become a new creation.
In Mark’s gospel, we transition from Jesus’ teaching ministry to a collection of passages reflecting his mighty deeds. The disciples are frightened for their lives amid a squall and question Jesus’ concern for their safety. Do we identify with the disciples when storms overtake or trust and believe in his love for each of us?
Our challenge for today is in the words of Jesus: Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?
Closing Prayer:
When you pass through waters, I will be with you; through rivers, you shall not be swept away. When you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, nor will flames consume you. For I, the Lord, am your God. Amen. (Isaiah 43:2-3)