Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time - Fr. Henry Makawa
June 24, 2024 - 8:30 AM
Audio Recording
When there is an impending storm, there are eight simple things that we are always asked to do in order to prepare ourselves to reduce the potential damage caused by it, these are:
Secure outdoor items in strong winds to prevent damage. Clear gutters and drains regularly to prevent overflow. Trim trees to prevent falling branches and root damage. Check and fix any roof damage to prevent leaks. Check your insurance policy is current and adequate. Create a home emergency plan for your family. Prepare an emergency kit with essential items. Stay informed with local weather warnings on radio. All these guidelines are aimed at helping our lives and property to be secured during storms, they are our safety and security.
Today’s readings serves as a reminder that, our hope and salvation, lie solely in God when problems ensues in our lives. We are called to maintain strong faith and trust in Him, firmly believing that true happiness is guaranteed through our devotion and loyalty to God, particularly during times of adversity, obstacles, trials, and tribulations (these are storms in our lives). It is during these challenging periods that our faith in God tends to waver, leading us astray towards ruin and damnation.
Unfortunately when storms strike in our lives we are not warned or we are not prepared, we are taken by surprise, and we become traumatised. The first reading presents the Lord speaking to His servant Job, who had been afflicted greatly by many misfortunes affecting his property, family and personal health. Job suffered greatly, but he did not waver in his faith and remained steadfast in trusting the Lord. He continued to follow the Lord faithfully and blamed himself more for the misfortunes that he had faced. God reminded Job of the vastness of His mysteries. He tells Job that, He has the power and dominion over all things, and everything in this world happened because of what He has willed to be, and nothing is ever beyond His reach and ability.
This is precisely what we have heard in our Gospel passage today, in the famous story of how the Lord Jesus calmed a great storm. We heard how the Lord and His disciples were struck by a great storm which battered their boat and threatened them with all the winds and the waves. His disciples were all panicking, thinking that they would drown in that place with all that went against them. When Jesus awakened he rebuked them for their lack of faith in Him. He then went on to calm the storm with the mere power of His words and will.
This occasion serves as a reminder for us all, that God is always with His Church, represented by that boat which was floating and battered by great waves and the wind. The disciples represents all of us, all the holy people of God, the members and parts of God’s Church. Those winds and great waves represents the great obstacles, trials and challenges which we face as a Church, all the oppositions, persecutions and hardships that the faithful go through. All those challenges and obstacles may indeed seem to be very daunting, terrible and scary, but we are encouraged never lose our faith in the Lord, and remain firmly faithful in Him.
Being followers of Christ does not prevent us from the storms of life. We are prone to a variety of storms, both physical and metaphorical. Whether we are believers or non-believers, we all face the reality of natural disasters like tornadoes and hurricanes. Additionally, we confront personal storms such as illness, accidents, shattered dreams, and loss. Important figures in the bible like Paul encountered numerous storms and shipwrecks during his lifetime. These storms were not only external but also internal, testing his faith and convictions.
The question that we might ask ourselves is; why do these storms come our way? It is a question that challenges us to seek understanding and resilience in the face of life's uncertainties. Jesus Himself warned his disciples that they will experience tribulation (“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33). It is important to note that Jesus never promised that we would be exempt from the storms of religious persecution or any other challenges that may come our way. However, he promises to be with us through it all, providing strength, comfort, and guidance through life's storms.
In his epistle to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul delved into the profound concept of salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul emphasized how Jesus serves as the bridge that reconnects humanity to God, offering a path to redemption and eternal life. This act of salvation, characterized by Jesus bearing the weight of humanity's sins, stands as a remarkable testament to the boundless love and grace of God.
In times of trouble, whether they be physical storms or metaphorical challenges, whether they arise from our human nature or our Christian beliefs, it is important to remember that facing difficulties is a normal part of life. We are invited to find comfort in the knowledge that Christ is there to see us through the storms we encounter. He provides us with the strength to navigate through difficult times by encouraging us to have faith.
When we are faced with fear during storms, we called upon to remember that fear is a sign of a lack of faith. By strengthening our faith, we can overcome fear and trust that God will protect us according to His divine plan. Christ imparts valuable teachings that equip us to navigate the challenges of life with faith. Jesus emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation to withstand the storms of life. He instructs on the significance of sincere and heartfelt prayer as a means to communicate with God effectively. He also highlights the eternal value of storing up treasures in heaven rather than focusing on material possessions on earth. Additionally, Jesus encourages prioritizing the kingdom of God and His righteousness above all else.
Through the practice of prayer, Jesus offers a direct connection to God, enabling us to receive mercy, grace, and divine assistance in times of need. Through the power of prayer, Jesus stands ready to calm our inner turmoil and provide solace when we face the storms of life, offering a sense of tranquility and assurance in the midst of adversity.
These are questions for our reflection: How do we respond when we encounter these storms? Do we react with fear and panic like the disciples who lacked faith, crying out in desperation and seeking refuge in basements? Or do we choose to confront the storm head-on, defiant and unyielding, standing on a balcony to face it? Perhaps, we may opt for a different approach altogether, weathering the storms with unwavering faith and inner peace, noting the powerful example of Jesus calming the storm by rebuking the wind and speaking to the sea, commanding, "Peace, be still." Miraculously, the wind subsided, and a great calm ensued. The disciples, filled with fear and wonder, marveled at the authority displayed by Jesus over the elements, questioning, "Who can this be, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" If the wind and the sea could obey Jesus, should we not, as well, obey the one who now holds all authority in heaven and on earth?