As part of our common prayer together, Fr. Leo, Fr. Jim, and I usually spend a bit of time each week reading and reflecting on the Gospel for the coming Sunday. In addition to giving us a chance to begin preparing our Homilies for the weekend, this time together also gives us a chance to share how the coming Sunday’s Gospel is speaking to each of us at this unique moment in our life.
This week, as we reflected on Jesus calming the storm, an interesting question was raised: what happens when God does not calm the storm? What happens when it seems like we are just being tossed about, and one bad thing after another keeps happening in our life? Certainly this is the case for many people, who are constantly faced with illness, the death of loved ones, personal or financial troubles… the list could go on and on.
In the midst of the storms of life, I think our tendency is to be just like the Apostles, and ask God to rebuke the storm, so that we can have calm. But we know that doesn’t always happen. And it is Jesus’ question to the Apostles that challenge us to look at how we approach the storms of our lives. Jesus asks: “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” In essence, he is asking, do you not trust me? Do you not trust that I am with you all the days of your life, especially in the most difficult moments?
There’s a song by the Christian band Casting Crowns, which reminds us that even in the midst of the storm, we can still praise God, who is with us- even if his voice is only a whisper through the rain. I share this song with you, because I think the message is very powerful. https://youtu.be/0YUGwUgBvTU
On behalf of all of us at the Windsor Heritage Catholic Family of Parishes, I want to wish all Fathers and Father-figures a Happy Father’s Day! May the Lord send his blessings down upon you, and give you guidance as you offer guidance and support to your families.
In Christ,
Fr. Steven Huber, CSB