God’s presence in our lives!
As we delve into the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time, a significant event
unfolds – Jesus calming the storm. It’s a story that reveals Jesus’s divine power
and also speaks directly to the core of our human experience: our fears, doubts,
and the enduring question of God’s presence in our lives.In today’s Gospel, we find Jesus and His disciples in a boat crossing the Sea
of Galilee. A violent storm arises, threatening to capsize the boat. Amid the
chaos, Jesus is asleep on a cushion. The disciples, fearing for their lives, wake
Him and cry, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus wakes,
rebukes the wind, and commands the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The storm ceases,
and there is a great calm. This passage is a powerful metaphor for the storms we
face in our own lives. There are moments when we feel overwhelmed by
circumstances beyond our control, where fear and anxiety seem to dominate our
thoughts and emotions. During such times, it can feel as though God is distant or
silent, much like Jesus asleep in the boat. We might echo the disciples’
desperate plea: “Do you not care that we are perishing?”Despite witnessing Jesus perform miracles, the disciples still grappled with
doubt and fear. We, too, can forget the divine presence that accompanies us,
falling into the illusion that we are alone in our struggles. Jesus’ response to the
storm is not merely a display of power but a profound act of transformation. His
command, “Quiet! Be still!” is an instruction to the natural elements and the
turmoil within the disciples’ hearts. It is a powerful reminder that God’s power
transcends all chaos and that His presence brings peace. The calming of the
storm is both a miracle and a spiritual lesson. It reassures us that God is with us
no matter how turbulent our circumstances, commanding peace into our lives.Furthermore, we are challenged to reconsider our perception of God’s
silence. Jesus’ sleep in the storm is not a sign of indifference but a demonstration
of divine tranquility and sovereignty. It teaches us that God’s timing and ways are
not always aligned with our expectations. What seems like divine inactivity is
often an invitation to deepen our faith and reliance on God. It is an opportunity to
practice trust, knowing God is always at work, even when we cannot see it.Dear brothers and sisters, the story of Jesus calming the storm is a profound
Fr. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor
reminder of God’s unwavering presence and power in our lives. It challenges us
to trust in Him, even when He seems silent, and to find peace in the assurance
that He commands all storms to be still. As we navigate our storms, may we hold
fast to the promise that God is with us, bringing calm amid the chaos and guiding
us safely to the other shore.