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Our Sunday Reflection - June 23, 2024
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Jesus calms the stormy seas.
Mark 4:35-41
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Introduction to the Liturgy of the Day
Summer has arrived and with it, unfortunately, the ever-present chance of summer storms. High winds, tornadoes, thunderstorms, and flash f loods make these storms frightening and dangerous. The disciples were terrified when a violent squall came up while they were sailing on the Sea of Galilee. But not Jesus. He rebuked the storm and calmed the waves. Even the forces of nature obeyed him. May we turn to the Lord during the stormy periods of our own lives. May our faith give us comfort and courage, trusting his strength and his concern for us all.Introduction to the Liturgy of the Word
Storms dominate today’s readings, but as both the first reading and the Gospel point out, God dominates the storms. Job learns that God not only created the rain and the sea, but also set limits on them. The powerful waves are kept at bay. In the midst of a violent squall, the frightened disciples are awestruck that Jesus is able to make the strong winds and high waves obey. Let us hear how God can calm even the worst storms.Reflections
- This is one of those Gospel passages where it can be dangerous to interpret it too literally. We should not become complacent in the face of storms or other natural disasters, believing that God will prevent any grave consequences. Keep in mind that the Gospels are not contemporaneous journals of the first disciples, but books designed to inspire faith in and understanding of this God who became f lesh, who suffered and died for our sins, and who was raised to new life. Mark told the dramatic story we hear today to inspire our faith, to show how the faith of even the first disciples wavered, and to look to Jesus as the one who had the power to still the stormy seas.
- Recall that Jesus had just told the crowds parables to help them understand the kingdom of God. Last week’s Gospel passage ended by saying that Jesus explained the parables to his disciples. They came to understand that the parables were vehicles for understanding the kingdom of God, not exact descriptions. They were still coming to grips with this talk of sowing seeds and growing mustard plants when the elements around them mirrored the chaos in their minds. Jesus, whose mind was at ease, slept soundly. Awakened, his words immediately calm the sea. May Jesus’ words calm our fears and confusion as well.
- Notice the language Mark uses in this passage. Jesus “rebuked the wind,” saying, “Quiet! Be still!” (4:39). After the seas were calmed, the disciples asked each other, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” (4:41). Listen to what Mark wrote earlier in Jesus’ ministry, when a man with an unclean spirit called out to him: “Jesus rebuked him and said, ‘Quiet! Come out of him!’ “ (1:25). After the demon fled, the crowds testified, “He commands even the unclean spirits and they obey him” (1:27). Whether unclean spirits or violent storms, Jesus asserts his power, silences these sinister forces, and makes them obey. The disciples remain amazed, but slowly their faith is growing.
Question of the Week
What storms am I weathering right now? What storms can I see threatening those I know? How can my faith help me handle mine and assist others in theirs?
-from Pastoral Patterns
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readings of the mass
LISTEN HERE to the Audio Recordings of the Readings of Sunday, June 23, 2024
SELECT HERE for the Readings of Sunday, June 23, 2024
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Offerings
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Reflections on the readings
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