Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

June 20, 2021

Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time 

June 20, 2021 

Deacon Anthony J. Cincotta 

Saint Mary Magdalen Parish, Media, PA 

Father’s Day 

 

Book of Job 38:1, 8-11 

Psalm 107:23-24, 25-26, 28-29, 30-31 

2 Corinthians 5:14-17 

Mark 4:35-41 

 

First, I would like to wish ever dad, granddad, god-father, uncle, and every other father figure a very Happy Father’s Day.  May Saint Joseph, the patron saint of fathers, continue to inspire you as a role model in the lives of all who love you.   

There is a story about a woman who was seated next to a priest on an airplane during a violent storm.  The plane was bouncing up and down and some of the passengers were screaming.  The woman turned to the priest next to her and said, “Can’t you do something about this awful storm?”  The priest looked at her and pointed his finger upward and said, “I’m in sales, not in management.” 

The disciples in today’s Gospel narrative were in the Sea of Galilee when they too were terrified during a violent storm.. Jesus, asleep in the boat, was awakened and they asked for His help.  Since Jesus is “Management” He could control and quiet the storm.  His words were simple; “Quiet!  Be still!” 

I believe that fear is applicable not only in times of great crisis but also in times of ordinary crisis.  The reason is simple; fear plays a part in all of our lives.  For example we may not have enough money to pay our bills or have enough to eat.  We are afraid of so many things even though many of our fears will never come to pass.  We are afraid of accidents, long term illness, being a victim of a crime, rumors, unemployment, old age, being late, being early, the list is endless. 

But what are we afraid of and why?  In our Gospel narrative the disciples were “terrified” of drowning.  Wait a minute – weren’t most of them men of the sea?  Certainly they have been in their boats during stormy seas before.  But they sought our Lord’s help and He gave it to them.  Isn’t this the message He gives all of us today?  Or are we people of little faith? 

In many cases it is difficult to have faith when we are faced with the unknown.  This past Tuesday I spoke to many of our eight grade graduating class on this very subject.   I told them that they will be facing many new challenges throughout their lives.  In many cases there will be “stormy seas” and their faith in God will help them overcome anything that they would ever face. 

It’s the same with our faith journey.  Our responsibilities do not end with the Sacraments of Initiation; Baptism, Eucharist and Confirmation.  It is a life long journey culminating in the reward of God’s Heavenly Kingdom.    

Friends, all of us are like the priest on the airplane giving advice to the terrified woman.  We are the messengers and salesmen selling Christ’s Good News to the world.  Our Lord God is the “management” giving us the tools and abilities to achieve our task of living a “Christ-like” life. 

The fear that the disciples experienced in today’s Gospel is no different from the fear we experience in our lives.  “Quiet!  Be still!”  We too must be awed by He who is in charge and is managing everything.  Have Faith!   

Question of the Day:  How will you manage the challenges in life utilizing your complete faith in God? 

Prayer:  “Give thanks to the Lord, his love is everlasting.”  Psalm 107. 

Prosit