Reflection for Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time 2021
(Job 38:1,8-11): Today’s readings reflect a repetitive reminder to us to trust in the Lord as we consider the Love of the Holy Trinity and God’s eons long history and future of keeping order. The Lord’s words to Job reflect God’s parental love for us as well as God’s infinite power which we can take comfort and refuge in. Parental symbols are used such as “shutting within doors the sea” when it “burst forth from the womb;” like an undisciplined child. The Lord describes putting a “garment” of clouds on the sea and wrapping it in “swaddling clothes,” of darkness. The parental or familial theme continues with the Lord’s words about “setting limits” for the sea like a parent would with a child needing boundaries and direction. No matter our age; we all need God’s direction, daily.
(Psalm 107: “Give thanks to the Lord, His love is everlasting.”): This psalm continues the theme of God’s supreme power over us and our ever-present need for His protection, care and direction. The first stanza of the psalm describes how sailors and mariners see something of the greatness and power of God in the vastness of the ocean and nature and in the power of storms. The unpredictability and potential dangers of nature remind us to rely on God; as seen in the psalm’s second verse portraying the rising and falling waves, reflecting the highs and lows of life which we must learn to ride out; while relying on God.
The third stanza creates an image of men calling out to God like scared children; recognizing their utter dependence upon God. God’s response of “hushing” the storm to a “gentle” breeze also sounds lovingly parental like the other readings. In the last stanza we see people rejoicing at the end of the “storm” (life) where they enjoy a safe haven (Heaven). The psalm leaves us with a subtle reminder to be ever thankful to God for His loving kindness and benevolence.
(2 Cor 5:14-17): There are many potential points of reflection in this reading. One would be is that since Christ died to redeem all; we should strive to see Christ within all of His children. All have been purchased by Christ via His death so we should be looking at all others with appreciation and reverence for them as God’s children. St. Paul exhorts us to cease focusing on ourselves and instead to focus on Christ in others; compelling us to serve them, respect them and sacrifice for them as Jesus did as a role-model for us. We’ve been told by Paul that “whoever is in Christ is a new creation.” In view of this, we’d better work to treat fellow Christians with the utmost respect, as our Lord’s Presence dwells within them.
Mark 4:35-41): Today’s Gospel reading is both similar and different from the other readings. God’s power is evident; as when Jesus calms the storm. The disciples are marveling at the powers of nature and God’s rule over the elements as evidenced in Jesus’ command over the storm. However, there’s an interesting change reflected in this reading. Instead of the relationship between God and man as parent and child; Jesus treats the disciples as peers. Notice that Jesus is asleep in the stern of the boat; not the bow. He is a passenger; trusting the disciples to steer the boat while He (Jesus) sleeps. Jesus’ message is to have total trust in God. Jesus can sleep even when the storm rages. Jesus reiterates: “Have faith. Trust in God!”