Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Whenever we cross the mighty Mississippi River on our travels between Benet Lake and Conception Abbey, I think of the challenge those early explorers must have faced to cross rivers and streams of any size. Today we simply cross with ease because of bridges and modern transportation. However, the decision to “cross over to the other side” continues to be a challenging decision with many meanings no matter what our destination or mode of transportation.
We hear this invitation coming from Jesus in today’s Gospel. On the surface, it would seem to be a simple request. They had finished preaching to a crowd located on one side of the Sea of Galilee and now it was time to address the people on the opposite side. Boats and sailors were available, why not simply cross over?
How many times does an apparently simple task become a life-changing experience? This was surely the case for the disciples who suddenly found themselves in a desperate situation. Although retelling of story many times may have added some exaggerations, we can identify with the first reaction of disciples wondering if Jesus truly cared for them since he was apparently sleeping through it all.
The story of the storm at sea and Jesus calming the winds is first of all about faith, the kind of faith that turns to Jesus in times of emergencies. But does the notion of “crossing over” take us to a deeper dimension of faith which is not limited to those obvious times of great need? Could we not say that Jesus is teaching his disciples and us that our faith is not just something “on call” but is meant to be a full-time relationship. Perhaps the image of breathing captures it’s essential and constant value. We would never decide to breathe only when we need it.
To “cross over” from a spiritual perspective means taking on St. Paul’s understanding in the second reading that our relationship with Jesus is based on what Jesus has already done for us. Jesus passed through death precisely to give us new life and a new perspective while we make our way through the stormy or calm seas of this life. Our continuing challenge will be to stay awake! We are the ones who can sleep walk through many even difficult moments of panic and pain, and thus miss the signs of comfort and consolation which the Lord intends for us. “Quiet!, Be still!” Jesus says to us. Can we hear those words with deep faith?
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections