12th Sunday of Ordinary Times
What Does this Mean to Me?
Today’s scripture reading reminds us that we are in the midst of storms. We hope for safety and rescue. For a life without hope can go astray and be lost forever.
The parallel in today’s readings from Job and from Mark are linked by the responsorial Psalm: in the midst of the storm, we cry out fear, in faith, in hope. The Psalm verse is remarkable in its imagery of storm: Give thanks to the Lord, His love is everlasting. it reminds us that in the midst of our life’s storms, that the Lord is very present and very much our protector, if we but turn to Him.
Our lives individually and as a community come upon some difficult times. Our faith may be challenged by some almost unanswerable questions. Relationships and harmony may be devastated by anger, pain, guilt, unforgiveness, selfishness. We all deal with storms. One of the most amazing experiences about storms in nature is that they come to an end, despite some damages. There is strength that comes from having survived only on our own strength. Prayer in the midst of our storm gives us strength because it helps us remember who we are, beloved people of God, and where our strength truly is, with God. The voice of God addressing the job and the voice of Jesus calming the storm both assure us of God’s presence and power in our lives.
Recall a time of difficulty in your life, a storm on your journey. How did the storm arise? What have you learned? An alert bus driver shot this friendly question at a man who was grouchy with him and his fellow passengers: “Did you quarrel with your wife this morning?” “Yes,” the man admitted with surprise. “That’s your private affair”, the driver quietly remarked, “ Why make it public?” “Sorry”, the passenger said— and smiled. St. Mother Teresa said, “In the silence of the heart God speaks.” What does this mean to me?
