Homily for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Jesus performed many miracles in His ministry, and people came to see them. Some reacted with wonder but were essentially unaffected, while others were genuinely awed and opened their eyes to God's power and wisdom. Some approached the miracles with strong faith and were open to their transforming power.

In today's Gospel passage, Jesus and His disciples are on a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee. Sudden, unexpected, and dangerous storms were common due to the topography and wind patterns in that area. When a storm arose, and the disciples were terrified, they woke Jesus, who was fast asleep. He then commanded the sea and the wind to be quiet, and both obeyed. He questioned the disciples' lack of faith, and they responded with great awe, wondering who Jesus truly was.

This miracle reveals Jesus's immense power and authority over nature, similar to His Father's power in the Creation story.

Apart from the miracle, this story also teaches about faith and trust. Jesus remained calm during the storm, showing great faith in His Father's protection. Similarly, when we face life's challenges, we are called to respond with faith rather than fear.

We often face various difficulties and challenges, such as family problems, financial worries, conflicts, tragedies, illness, and loss. Instead of reacting with fear, Jesus calls us to respond with faith, trusting that God is with us and will bring us through life's storms.

Jesus's display of faith during the storm teaches us to trust in God and believe He will bring us to His kingdom, our ultimate goal, even when the miracles we pray for do not materialize.

Indeed, when we are not focused on the ultimate goal—living in heaven forever in God's glory—the storms of this life seem frightening and overwhelming. But, as St. Paul says, "Think of what is above, not of what is on earth." [1]

From the midst of great turmoil and sadness, the Book of Lamentations says: "My life is deprived of peace, I have forgotten what happiness is. Remembering it over and over, my soul is downcast. But this I will call to mind; therefore I will hope: The LORD's acts of mercy are not exhausted, his compassion is not spent; They are renewed each morning— great is your faithfulness! The LORD is my portion, I tell myself, therefore I will hope in him." [2]

 

 

[1] Colossians 3:2

[2] Lamentations 3:17, 20-24