Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 23 June 2024 Mass Reading Reflection for 23 June 2024
Gospel: Mark 4: 35-41
This is the only time we read Jesus was sleeping. He was sleeping in a small boat being tossed by a violent wind. And the disciples were sure that they were about to perish. It hurt them to see their master sleeping peacefully like a child while they were struggling to hang on to life; hence the question, “Teacher, do you not care …?”
Watching the news on TV or social media, we too are tempted to ask the same question, “Jesus, do you not care?” The ongoing wars, internal conflicts in many nations, activists glorifying the admonishable, decay in families, etc. may tempt us to doubt if Jesus is still sleeping. Trust in Jesus. Be fearless, Jesus is still in the boat. The sea and the tempest have to obey Jesus. It is our disbelief that causes us to fear. Trust in Jesus and beat the fear.
Most of us are sailing in our small boats, carrying a few members of family and friends. At times we are tossed by the waves like ill health, financial difficulties, family problems, career issues, and various challenges of life. More than the storms, the fear beat us.
This story may be familiar to you: it was a long flight. There was an unusual turbulence. The passengers started to get worried initially and subsequently started crying out loudly. Meanwhile, a small boy was busy painting his coloring book. The passenger next to the cool boy asked, “Aren’t you afraid?” the reply was epic, “My dad is the pilot of the plane, and he is the best pilot in the world, why should I fear?”
Will you face your problems today and say, “Jesus is my captain, and no sea or no storm can ever beat us”? After this Sunday’s holy Mass, as you are returning to your routines, tell your struggles, “Jesus is my captain, and you can’t beat us.”
As long as you trust in Jesus, nothing can beat you, even if your captain, Jesus, appears to be taking a short snap. He is always in charge, and everything obeys Him.
Be fearless, Jesus is still in the boat, and He is your captain.
Amen.
