Breaking Open the Word: 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time -- June 20, 2021
Readings: Job 38:1, 8-11; Psalm 107:23-24, 25-26, 28-29, 30-31; 2 Corinthians 5:14-17; Mark 4:35-41

The title for next week’s Gospel could easily be called “Oh Ye of Little Faith.” Last week we reflected on the ‘mustard seed of faith’. This week we will see the disciples, threatened by the Galilean storm, react with little faith and therefore fearfully. The Scriptures for the week can be read as a reminder that while faith doesn’t necessarily change the world we live in, it surely should change how we react to and live in the world. Paul also reminds us that when we come to believe in Jesus we become a new creation. Jesus provides us with the strength to respond to danger, adversity and doubt by trusting in His love and
care.

Trust in God is certainly easier when the seas of our life are calm and we enjoy smooth sailing. But what about those times when we face turbulent waters and waves of worry and doubt threaten to overtake us? Our trust can easily be shaken. Our response at these times is often: “Why me, Lord?” But Jesus reminds us that He is in the boat with us, just as He was with the disciples. He asks us to believe in Him and to trust that He has not abandoned us. It is important for us to realize that the sea of our lives will not always be calm. We will encounter storms, some of which can seem devastating. Perhaps the best way to prepare our souls to weather the
storms is to practice turning to Christ in faith each and every day through prayer, Scripture and through frequent reception of the Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation. The more we nurture the gift of our faith during the calm, the more readily we will turn first to the Lord for comfort in the storm.

For further reflection on trusting in God, see the Catechism of the Catholic Church, paragraphs, 305,397 and 222-2271 I believe in God’s goodness and trust that He desires my happiness. Where can I look to see God honoring my belief and trust in Him? Think of a time when I failed to place my trust in God and later came to see that He had not, in fact, abandoned me?

What most threatens my trust in God?

2. As Catholics we believe in the Holy Catholic Church, left to us by Christ to continue to shepherd and guide us to the Father. Do I trust in the magisterial teaching of the Church? What can I do to overcome any lack of trust?

3. How can I better prepare myself to face inevitable challenges to my trust in God? What can I do to strengthen my faith and encourage others to believe more deeply and to trust more completely in God’s unconditional love?