Navigating Storms with Faith as Compass: Reflection for 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time

The 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time shared a common theme about storms. It is repeated in the first reading, Gospel, and even the psalm chosen for this Sunday. When violent, they can create chaos for those who are on their voyage or journey. How often have we ever been caught in the middle of one? When we do, it can be distressing because it may be our last month if we never make it out alive.

In the first reading, God instructs Job on how to get through the storm. The Gospel of Mark recalls the time when Jesus was napping on the boat with his apostles. While napping, a violent squall took place along Lake Tiberius. The apostles were panicking. They had to wake up Jesus terrified that their demise was coming. Jesus calmly commanded the storm to cease. A calm breeze would follow. He would later challenge them on where their faith is.

The psalmist points out the storm in three particular verses.

The first stanza recalls the storm rising. The people’s “hearts melted away in their plight.”

The second stanza recalls their deliverance when they called upon the Lord – “He hushed the storm to a gentle breeze, and the billows of the sea were stilled.”

Finally, the third stanza recalls the people rejoicing and praising the Lord for His kindness. The God who saved in the past now delivers His people through Jesus, His Son.

In the Fall 2020, I was caught in a squall while visiting the shrine of St. Frances Cabrini in Golden, CO. I decided to walk with my friend’s mom. At first, it was intimidating that I was ready to chicken out and hop in someone’s car to get to another side of the shrine. Then, with my friend’s mom, we were praying together.

Every time I look back at this episode, I can’t help but think about how I chose faith instead of panicking. All it took was the witness of my friend’s mom that compelled me to pray as I navigated a storm from the top of a mountain.

St. Paul reminds us that faith reveals that, “whoever is in Christ is a new creation… new things have come.”

As we navigate the storms in our own lives, let us look to Christ who is the source of calmness, humility, and peace.