12th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B) : Sunday 23rd June 2024

Mark’s Gospel, in the “Stilling of the Storm”, reflects 3 contrasting features: the storm-tossed boat contrasted with the peace and untroubled sleep of Jesus in the boat (v37 – 38a); the terror and panic of the disciples who were supposed to be professional fishermen and the calm composure of Jesus (38b – 39), and the state of the sea before and after Jesus’ intervention (37,39). These three contrasts highlight the state and process of discernment in distinguishing God’s Will, or otherwise.

We see another similar stormy experience – of Job who was brought out of the turmoil in which he heard the voice of God who set boundaries to the tempestuous sea.  Just as God Creator controls the sea and it’s waves, so Jesus, as Son of God, rebuked the stormy sea to calm the disciples. (cf Lk.8:24-25).

Our experience of God in prayer ought to bring a calm change in our interior disposition. Such experience is reflected in 2 Cor 5: 17: “having experienced the love of Christ, one becomes a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”  This personal conversion manifests in looking at life anew – life in the resurrected Christ! Jesus Christ our Lord surpasses, in a calm manner, all odds and struggles in our faith journey.  In stormy weather, let us be assured of the fact that “God is with us!” Conversion happens in the calm after the battle.

Lord, lead us to pass through the tempestuous moments of our life.