Calming Life’s Storms

June 20, 2021 Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B) Readings for Today

Video A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm.  Mark 4:37–39 This passage is what we may call a “prophetic action” on the part of Jesus.  His action of calming the storm is a way of speaking to us about our own lives. The first thing to reflect upon is that Jesus was there in the center of the storm.  He was on the boat while the waves came crashing over.  But the key is that He was there.  This tells us that whenever we experience a “storm” in our lives, Jesus is there in the midst of it.  He is not far away; rather, He is right there. But we also notice that He is asleep.  One thing we can take from this is that Jesus awaits our prayer.  He waits for us to turn to Him in the midst of the storm.  That must be our first thought whenever we feel overwhelmed or challenged by life’s circumstances.   Notice that the “prayer” of the Apostles is similar to how we may pray at times.  “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”  So often we turn to God saying, “Lord, where are You?  Why are You not helping?”  But we should know that God is often silent as a way of calling us to Himself so that we turn to Him in trust and confidence.  Jesus took their prayer and responded. His response was simply to manifest His authority over the storm.  He rebuked it and said, “Quiet!  Be still!”  With that, the storm had no ability to continue and all was calm. We must know that Jesus did this so that we would have confidence that He can handle any hardship we face.  There is no storm too great for Him.  Nothing He cannot handle.   Reflect, today, on what frightens you the most each day.  What is it that shakes your faith?  Turn to Jesus in the midst of that and know He is there ready to bring peace and calm. Lord, I invite You into my life and into my storm.  I know You can do all things, so I beg for Your peace and calm in my heart.  Help me to always turn to You.  Jesus, I trust in You.