Stewardship Reflection – June 20, 2021

“The Storm on the Sea of Galilee” is a painting from 1633 by the Dutch Golden Age painter Rembrandt van Rijn. The painting depicts the miracle of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee, as depicted in Mark 4. It is Rembrandt's only seascape. (Public Domain/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS)

June 20, 2021 — Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

JB 38:1, 8-11; PS 107:23-24, 24-26, 28-29, 30-31; 2 COR 5:14-17; MK 4:35-41

Our readings today remind us that God always has our best interests in mind. No matter what is going on in our lives, God is with us.

In our Gospel today, Jesus and His disciples are traveling in a boat when heavy winds and violent waves begin to overwhelm the boat. Jesus was there sleeping in the boat in the midst of this horrific storm.

The disciples woke Jesus and questioned Him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” Jesus calms the wind and the waves, and then asks them in return, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”

Think back to a time that you endured great suffering, a hard trial or felt overwhelmed with life. How did you respond?

In moments of trial, we often live our days in a panic. We see the water coming into our boat and we do all that we can in our power to stay afloat. We are frantic, so we fail to stop and recognize that our Savior is in the same boat with us. Although it might feel like He is sleeping and His presence is lacking, He is right there suffering with us.

God won’t allow anything that we cannot handle. In a moment of suffering, we might feel trapped. Yet, He sees the moment of peace and still waters.

During our trials, cling to Jesus. Know that there is an end, and whether we see the end in this life or the next, God allows it all for our salvation.

Today, let us thank God for His presence in our lives, and ask for the eyes of faith to see that He is right here with us always.

— Stewardship Reflections by Catholic Stewardship Consultants