June 21st, 2015 - The Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

"Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?" - Mark 4:41

Jesus Christ is Lord. He is the King of all creation. This is true, whether we know it or not, whether we believe it or not, whether we like it or not.

But, this is good, because He is good - He only wants what is best for us. For that reason, and because He is in charge, we have nothing to fear!

Yet, often we feel just like the disciples in this Sunday's Gospel reading - afraid, because storms rage all around us while God seems silent and asleep in the back of the boat.

What if He is, in fact, modeling exactly what we should do? What if He is simply showing us that we need to be silent, that we need to be still, that we only need to trust Him and let Him save us?

Imagine how hard it would be to save a drowning swimmer if he is kicking and thrashing wildly in the water. The frantic movement of his flailing arms and legs would make it nearly impossible to grasp his hand and pull him to safety. God is like a lifeguard, and He cries out to us who are drowning, "Just hold still so I can help you!"

Here's the catch: it requires great trust to hold still. It means letting go of control (and letting go of our crown).

But the crown belongs rightfully to God Himself, made manifest in Christ Jesus, who rose from the dead, who walked on water, and who was before the world began.

Who else but God, as He proclaimed to Job, could have shut the sea within doors when it burst forth from the womb? Who else but God has laid out a channel for the downpour and a path for the thunderstorm? Who else but God can raise His voice to the clouds for them to cover you with a deluge of waters or send forth the lightnings on their way? (Job 38: 8, 25, 34-35).

Therefore, with great awe and wonder, let us humbly submit to the Truth. Let us be still in the arms of our Savior as the storms of this world rage around us. Let us entrust all our needs, all our worries, and all those whom we love to Him who loves us.

Lord Jesus, You are great indeed. Calm the storms of our hearts and bring peace to this troubled world, according to your holy will. Amen.