Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time - B June 21, 2009

Job 38: 1, 8-11 2 Corinthians 5: 14-17 Mark 4: 35-41

There is a pair of words that is rather simple itself and which has a particular meaning to our part of the country. In fact, it is probably meaningless to someone either living in or coming from a different part of the country. There is a pair of words that can indicate a controlling effect on choices we make, things we get gone. There is a pair of words which is more significant during the winter months, but there is an impact felt at other times of the year. There is a pair of words that can strike terror into the mind and heart, especially if one has the responsibility for keep streets and parking lots clear - as I learned all too well this past winter. That pair of words: “lake effect.”

I do not intend to give a presentation on the weather and how it is predicted, and how it can effect us, living as we do on what is called the North Coast, shores of Lake Erie. The simple fact of the matter is that we are affected by the great body of water - really more of an inland sea than a “lake” - and we know both its beauty and its power. We know, too, because of our experience or awareness of its history, and that of the other Great Lakes, both the tragedies that have taken place and the possibilities for development which are present. This all gives us a greater insight into the message of God that we have heard in the Scriptures today.

Perhaps more than any other part of creation, at least here on our planet Earth, bodies of water, like Lake Erie, can have great impact on us because we are so affected by the presence and activity of this Great Lake. We know well the forces that can be found and experienced with the lake: the wind, rain, thunder, lightening, darkness, storms - and snow, that infamous, predicable and unpredictable, lake effect snow. Whether we consider the shallowness of Lake Erie or the depth of Lake Superior, there are mysteries above and below the surface of the water that have had, and still have, control and determination on the lives of those sailing on it or live near and around it.

The message of faith that is made clear to us today, whether we are listening to the passage in the book of Job or the Gospel story, is that as mysterious, majestic, unpredictable and powerful as a sea, or lake can be, even over that, God power and presence is superior, God rules.

The story in the Gospel is more than a simple event in the day of the life of Jesus. Mark’s account conveys that understanding. If ever, in imagination or in fact, one has been on a boat being tossed about by strong waves, it is easy to understand the contrast of the terror of the disciples of Jesus as they are confronted by the squall that had arisen on the sea. The image of Jesus peacefully sleeping on a cushion in the back of the boat simply could not happen, unless there is an important point that is being made. It is quite evident, with a little thought given to the matter, that the point is that nothing in nature can disrupt or disturb the absolute power of God. Knowing and believing this is the basis for, the reason for, an absolute trust in God.

Whatever storms might affect our lives, whether personally, economically, emotionally, whether as citizens of our country or members of the Church, whether in families or in relationships; whatever sudden squall arises during the course of daily living, we can place faith and trust in God, in God’s presence, in God’ love and care.

Are we terrified? Do we yet not have faith? We are, indeed, in Christ, new creations, as St. Paul tells the Corinthians and us. We have a different outlook, we have different values, than those who do not share our Faith. We are not driven or motivated by fear of the unknown or sudden storm. Living out our lives is based on a firm trust and hope in God’s presence and care. We are convinced of the presence of God in our lives. We are, in fact, nourished and fed by the very life of God in the Eucharist. We are given strength and support by being joined together, in faith, with one another, at this time and in this place.

We can and are reinforced and encouraged by a true faith and trust in God that the storms of life will be calmed, and that the tempests will be silenced. We ride through the storms of our lives with the conviction that allows peace of mind, heart and spirit because of our union in faith with one another, and because of our union in the life, the care and the love of our good and gracious God.