Gulf Pine Catholic

Gulf Pine Catholic • June 21, 2024 5 Compassionate Service 228-374-5650 Bradfordokeefe.com Opening Remarks -- Story: If you ever embark on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, your guide will lead you on a sacred journey across the Sea of Galilee, the very sea that is referenced in today’s Gospel. They will recount how this sea, usually serene, can be transformed by a mighty wind that sweeps down from the nearby mountain, unleashing a tempest of unparalleled ferocity. This storm, though brief, is a testament to the sea’s power. Your guide will then read the passage from today’s gospel, underscoring the profound respect even seasoned fishermen hold for this awe-inspiring body of water. Awesome God: Today’s first reading, from Job, comes toward the end of the forty-two-chapter book that tells of Job’s dramatic hardships. Job was wealthy, pious, healthy, and had a large family. But Job’s good fortune turned. First, all his children were killed in an accident. Then, all his livestock were wiped out. Personally, Job suffered constant pain from severe boils over his body. Since it was a common understanding in those days that wealth, good health, power, honor, and blessings were a sign of favor from God, the opposite was also held as truth. If someone was poor or in bad health, it was attributed to God’s punishment for some sin they or their parents committed. With that backdrop, we see throughout the book how Job’s three friends challenge him to admit a hidden sin he had committed and throw himself at the mercy of God. Job retorts by insisting on his innocence. At one point, Job’s wife chimes into the discourse by telling him to curse God and die. As we reach Chapter 38, a pivotal moment in Job’s story, we find him at his lowest point. He is weary from the accusations of his ‘friends’ and his wife, and his health continues to deteriorate. Throughout this ordeal, God has remained silent; His presence felt but not heard. However, in Job 38:2, the long- awaited moment arrives, and God’s voice breaks through the silence, resonating with divine wisdom and authority, a testament to his unfathomable power and love. God says, “Who is this that foils divine plans with words of ignorance?” and launches into a beautiful reply, pointing out the great marvels of His creation. He says, in effect, that He is the creator of all that is and can restore Job to his former status, which He does at the end of the book. Please read the entire book; it provides some great lessons on faith. God is Greater -- Psalm 107: The sea is a force no human being can contain, capable of destroying life with little or no notice. Yet, it is subject to the awesome power of God’s commands. In the turbulent moments of our lives, we can experience a great sense of fear and helplessness. It is at these times, no matter where we are or how serious our challenges are, our firm belief in God’s presence and fidelity will protect us. The psalmist leads us to express awe, fear, and wonder. And amid it all, expresses our Psalm response, “Give thanks to the Lord. His love is everlasting.” Exchange: In today’s second reading, Paul talks about dying spiritually to sin and living in accordance with the teachings of Christ. Those who know Jesus in the flesh see Him as a man instead of God. But we who know Him in the Spirit are made new by our belief of Jesus as Lord. “Whoever is in Christ is a new creation: the old has passed away; behold, new things have come.” God exchanges our old nature of sin, fear, mistrust, worry, and rash actions for a new nature of confidence, trust, and assurance in His will through Jesus. Whoever is in Christ is a new creation. Old things of the flesh have passed away. Who Is This? Today’s Gospel has a clear conflict between faith and feelings and trust and sight. Jesus initiates the journey by telling His disciples, “Let us cross to the other side” (Mark 4:35b) , clearly intending to ensure their safe passage. But when the storm rages and their lives are in danger, His disciples doubt Jesus’ ability to fulfill His intentions. “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing” (Mark 4: 38b) . Here, you and I enter the story. We hear of God’s promises but then experience the storms of life. Fear and panic can set in, and instead of believing and acting on the Lord’s promises, we focus on our problems. Why is it that we have no trouble believing in God but have trouble acting on the belief that God is with us in the storms and trials of our lives? The final analysis from today’s readings and our life circumstances assures we can be spared much angst by trusting God’s promises. Faith applies trusting confidence in God that brings peace, calm, and security and connects our weakness with God’s power. Filled with awe, the disciples ask, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” (Mark 4: 41b) . Faith provides the answer -- It is Jesus, God with us! Closing Remarks and Questions: When life’s trials tend to overcome your peace and joy, picture Jesus and His frightened apostles in a storm-battered boat. Imagine yourself as an onlooker, knowing what Jesus is going to do. Apply that image to your worrisome situation. Consider how you would answer the two questions Jesus asked His Apostles in the boat. 1. Why are you so terrified? 2. Do you not yet have faith? Deacon Ralph Torrelli lives in Hattiesburg and is retired from St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Visit his website: www.homilypearls.com. 1st Reading: Job 38:1, 8-11 Psalm 107:23-24, 25-26, 28-29, 30-31 2nd Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 Gospel: Mark 4:35-41 12th Sunday of Ordinary Time Faith empowered Deacon Torrell i Sunday Scripture Commentaries To advertise in the Gulf Pine Catholic , call 228-702-2109 for more information, or email smccusker@biloxidio- cese.org. The newspaper is mailed to over 15,000 Catho- lic homes every other week.