TWELVE SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YR B
Job 38:1,8-11; Ps 107
2Cor 5:14-17; Mk 4:35-41
DO NOT BE TERRIFIED
In this story of storm at sea, Jesus was in the boat with the disciples when a “violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up” (Mk 4:37). But Jesus was asleep on a cushion. The disciples cried to him and he awoke and rebuked the wind and commanded it to be still and quiet. After this, Jesus asked the disciples, “why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” (Mk 4:40)
We cannot live a trouble-free life in this world. But the truth is that sometimes the troubles of our lives seem too much to bear. The gospel reading today teaches us what to do when we are overwhelmed.
The question of Jesus to the disciples indicate that they should have done what he did; rebuking the storm. In the ANCIENT NEAR EAST, the storm and violent waves are seen as the activities of the forces of evil. What Jesus means here is that when we are tormented by troubles and the affliction of the forces of darkness we should stand in faith and rebuke them. Jesus asks you today, “are you still without faith?” Go on, stand up to any evil torment in your life and rebuke them. In the name of Jesus call everything to order and peace around you in the power of the Holy Spirit.
I remember that there were some moments in my life when I wondered whether Jesus cared about what I was going through. There was a time when I repeated the words of the disciples in my prayer; “Lord, do you not care that I am suffering and feeling pain? How long must I hold on? I am tired.” I am sure you too have had or have those moments like mine, when the Lord seems silent. In moments like that, never lose hope. Trust me, Jesus cares for us than we could imagine. He decided to die for you and me even before we were born. He who has given up all for us will not abandon us now in our troubles. In these moments, hold on strongly to his promise of his abiding presence, for this is what faith is all about. In my difficult moments I keep praying and praising, I keep faith and hope. Guess what? The Lord always comes through for me. He will do same for you. Hold on, look at the cross, he cares that much.
Sometimes we can be so battered by our troubles that we think that the Lord cannot help us. Our situation seems worse when we blame ourselves for what is happening in our lives. We think that we are suffering because of something we have done in our past and so cannot come to the Lord. Many then run out to seek help in other places. Jesus does not condemn us. He is merciful. When we call on him for help, he responds to our frustrations and depressions. His help is just a prayer away. There is no trouble in your life bigger than the power of Jesus. We must also be open to how the Lord decides to respond to our prayer. Sometimes he would not take the trouble away but strengthen us to bear it. However it comes, his help is perfect.
In our prayers we should not be so bothered about formalities. Prayer is simply communicating with God about the things happening in your life. Just speak to God the way you know best. The content of our prayer is the content and hopes of our lives. Prayer includes thanksgiving and praise, but when you cannot utter thanksgiving what do you do? Don’t worry, pour out your frustrations before him. Then you can thank him for the ability to tell him about your frustration.
May the Lord increase our faith in his power. May you find faith in Jesus to rebuke the afflictions of the devil in your life. May you find peace in prayer.
God bless you.
BY Rev. Fr. Delight Arnold Carbonu
