12th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year B - In the Storm and “Be Still, My Soul”

“Have you still no faith?” Our Lord’s question in this weekend’s Gospel (Mk 4:35-41) frames the Sunday liturgies for the remainder of the year, which the Church calls “Ordinary Time”. In the weeks ahead, the Church’s liturgy will have us journeying with Jesus and his disciples, reliving their experience of his words and deeds, coming to know and believe in him as they did.

Today Jesus crosses the sea in a boat accompanied by his disciples and while Jesus is asleep. a great storm comes up. His disciples are scared for their lives and when they see Jesus still sleeping, they wondered if he even cared. In their fear, they go to Jesus where he immediately tells the winds, “Quiet! Be still!” and the storm is over.

When a storm comes up in our lives causing us to suffer, what is our response? Do we ask God to take it away? Do we begin to doubt God or do we seek answers? God created us with the gift of reason and we are supposed to seek answers. Many times we might find an answer. Sometimes the answer might be that it isn’t time yet or maybe it isn’t for me to do it. Maybe I am trying too hard and I need to relax and let God help me.

For the times when reason is not enough, God gives us the gift of faith. Knowledge is great and it is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit but it is not the only gift. The Holy Spirit also gives us the gifts of understanding and wisdom to see as God sees. When we can’t, the Holy Spirit helps us to have faith that God is with us. When we have storms in our lives that cause us to suffer, may we always trust in God who walks with us and can bestow upon us a peaceful heart.

In honor of this weekend’s Gospel, we present our latest video, "Be Still, My Soul”, a beautiful Christian hymn that speaks to God's love and care for us during our most difficult times, and weaves together a whole series of scriptural themes and references to biblical events (including when Jesus calms the storm).

Video can be watched by clicking here or on the picture below: