Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

SHAKY FAITH IN TURBULENT TIMES

DO YOU NOT YET HAVE FAITH?

Jesus Christ, it’s really hard sometimes to believe. We want to have faith, but we get tossed and turned by a sea of turbulence. Whether it’s the messiness of our own life or the burning dumpster that is the world today, we get afraid and lose our way. Send us the comfort of your loving presence to get us through the storms.

Share a time when you lost faith, but your community sustained you?

OSV News photo/ courtesy Holy Family Parish

Suhail Abu Dawod, an 18-year-old residing in Gaza City, wrote a letter sharing his experiences of living in the Holy Family Church during wartime. Since the onset of the war on October 7th, Suhail’s life has been marked by sadness, fear, and panic. Fleeing his home due to dangerous conditions, he sought refuge in the church, where daily routines became arduous and simple meals the norm. Nights are fraught with the terrifying sounds of crossfire and bombings, particularly as Suhail takes on the responsibility of guarding the church. Basic necessities such as food, water, and medical care are scarce, and their possessions, including homes and cars, have been destroyed. Despite the hardships, Suhail and his community find solace in their faith community, praying fervently and trusting in God’s protection. They hold onto hope for peace and believe that their faith will ultimately prevail over the ravages of war. Suhail Abu Dawod’s last words in the letter are: Faith is stronger than war! (Maryknoll Magazine, December 2023)

On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.” Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was. And other boats were with him. A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat, so that it was already filling up. Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion. They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” They were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” Mk 4:35-41

At times we encounter turbulence and tumult like the apostles did at sea. As missionary disciples, we are called to walk by faith. But what does that mean? Does it mean certainty? Like the apostles, our confidence also falters at times. But our faith is not about seeing perfectly, it is about acting even when we don’t see perfectly. Sometimes our community holds faith for us when we struggle. Jesus quells the troubled waters of our hearts so that we can be faithful to our mission.

In turbulent times at home and abroad, how is the Spirit guiding us to move forward as a community without fear and doubt.

Find an online or in-person open AA or NA type meeting to attend as a guest and listen to their stories. Pay attention to how being a part of a community helped them move forward. Reflect on what communities you need to join to help you move forward in turbulent times.

Loving God, you are the calming whisper in the storm that helps us move from paralyzing fear to bold action. Help us this week, find your presence in our lives. Open our hearts and minds to receive your Spirit. Give us the courage to be that sense of calm for others.