Living in the Storms of Life with a Gaze Fixed on Christ

12th Sunday in Ordinary Time: June 23, 2024

Readings: Job 38:1, 8-11; Psalm 107:23-26, 28-31; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17; Mark 4:35-41

To listen to the audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/QiOFm8dg-2U

What is the place of faith in the ordinary days of our lives? Can we take holidays from our faith? Absolutely not. During these days, we have been journeying with Jesus and His disciples, reliving their experience of His words and deeds, coming to know and believe in Him as they did. The liturgical readings for this Sunday enable us to look at life in its good times but also in its bad times.

1. Unquestionable trust in Divine Presence

The first Gospel writer St Mark 4:35-41 recounts the story of Jesus calming the storm, a powerful narrative to interpret our life in this messy world. Jesus is with His disciples in a boat when a furious storm arises. Despite the chaos, Jesus remains asleep, displaying a serene confidence in the midst of danger.  Often we turn headless when we see such danger and chaos. In such moments we must trust in God's presence even when our lives seem to be engulfed by storms. God is always with us. Where will He go leaving us? His presence is a source of peace and stability. When we feel overwhelmed, we can find solace in knowing that we are never alone and that God can calm the storms within our hearts.

Living for Christ means reorienting our lives away from self-centeredness to Christ-centeredness. This transformation involves daily decisions to prioritize His will over our own desires. For this, we must inculcate in us Christ-like qualities of kindness, compassion, and selflessness. We must see others with grace-filled perspective of compassion, and hope, recognizing their inherent worth as individuals loved by God. 

2. Faith Overcomes Fear

The disciples' reaction to the storm reveals a natural human response to fear and uncertainty. Their panic contrasts sharply with Jesus' composed demeanour. Jesus asks them, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" This question invites us to examine our own responses to life's challenges. Do we allow fear to dictate our actions, or do we choose to respond with faith? This passage encourages us to cultivate a deep trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem dire. When we are with God and experience His divine presence, there is strength and hope.  Faith does not eliminate challenges but transforms our perspective, allowing us to face difficulties with a sense of hope and confidence. If even the wind and sea obey Him, shouldn’t we trust Him in the chaos and storms of our own lives?

3. Toughness and the Power of Jesus' Word

When Jesus rebukes the wind and speaks to the waves, "Quiet! Be still!" the storm ceases, and there is complete calm. This dramatic change underscores the power of Jesus' word. It is a sweet reminder that God's word holds authority over creation and our lives. In other words, we are called to recognize the power of Scripture in our daily lives. Engaging with God's word through prayer, meditation, study and engaging in community with other believers can bring clarity, direction, and peace to our turbulent hearts. The same voice that calmed the sea can speak peace into our lives today. Therefore, we need continuous renewal and openness to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. 

Living in a messy and broken world is not easy. Jesus never leaves us. He calms the stormy waters alike. None of us are free from storms but the providence of God always strengthens us by demonstrating His power. God is there at our every step. We must develop inner stillness and calmness. In our fast-paced, often chaotic world, finding moments of quiet and stillness is crucial for spiritual growth. We can connect with God and listen to His voice only in calmness. The love of Christ, a powerful force must motivate and drive us. It is not merely a passive feeling but an active, compelling force that transforms our motivations and actions. 

Questions for self-reflection

1. In what ways can I live more fully for Christ? 
2. How can my actions, choices, and relationships reflect my commitment to Him? 
3. How do I respond to life's storms? Do I panic like the disciples, or do I find peace in knowing that God is with me?
4. How can I strengthen my faith to better handle life's challenges?

Prayer based on Psalm 107

Heavenly Father,

We come before You, acknowledging Your mighty power and boundless love. Just as those who went out to sea in ships, witnessing Your wondrous works in the deep, we too have faced turbulent waters and fierce storms in our lives. Thank You, Lord, for You calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. Your peace brought us safely to our desired haven. We are filled with gratitude for Your unfailing love and Your marvellous deeds.

Help us to always remember Your faithfulness and to proclaim Your goodness to others. May our hearts overflow with thanksgiving as we celebrate Your deliverance and mercy. Guide us to live in a way that honours You, trusting in Your steadfast love through all of life’s journeys. In Jesus’ Holy Name, we pray, Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ

June 21, 2024