STORMY WEATHER

      On this Monday afternoon in June much of the nation, especially in the East, has been dealing with severe weather.  Our own area has had a series of storms that have rumbled through.  The summer months are noted for these kinds of days.

     The readings for yesterday's 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time referenced storms in life.  We met Job whose storm in life was to find his security and blessings stripped away in a "bargaining" between the Lord and the evil one.  Everything that he held important, primarily his close relationship with the Lord, was being challenged.  It was not within Job's nature to doubt that relationship with God, but he came close.  In the passage from chapter 38 the Lord reminds Job just who is in charge, and how faithful God is to his promise to Job.  In the midst of the confusion and doubt afflicting Job, God says to him ... fear not - I am in charge and I am true to my promise that you are dear to my heart.  And Job found courage.

     Psalm 107 [the Responsorial Psalm of the liturgy] reminds those that sailed the seas and dealt with the storms of nature that the Lord is in charge ... that "he hushed the storm to a gentle breeze and the billows of the sea were stilled."  It ends with these words: "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his kindness and his wonderous deeds to the children on men."

    In chapter 5 of the 2nd letter to Corinth, Paul tells of the tumultuous change that entered his life when he realized the love of Christ for all.  He says that the storm of that realization "impels" him to regard everyone as a new creation redeemed by the love of Christ, and deserving of his love and resect.

     And the Gospel of Mark tells us of the storm at sea where even the seasoned fishermen who were his disciples could not cope with the storm they found themselves caught in.  Jesus was with them, but he was asleep on a cushion in the boat.  Jesus was with them, not in their fear or helplessness, but in the boat to calm the wind and the seas and calm the fears of our concerns.  He steps in to show us how loved and cherished we are.

     Remember this - while he can calm the storm ,,, end the persecution ... restore what was lost ... he is also there to give us the peace and security that we need to keep calm ... the strength we need to not only endure the hardships but to come out victorious ... and to ability to rejoice in the glory of the Kingdom of God.