Daily Scripture Reflection & Prayer: June 23, 2024

Date: 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture Text:  Mark 4:35-41

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?”

Breaking the text open – background and summary:

We continue with our Sunday readings of the Gospel of Mark. Today’s text recounts the Jesus’ calming of the storm and the disciples’ amazement.

Meditating on the text with personal questions:

Do I take my fears to Christ? Is my faith in Christ capable of easing my fears?

Praying:

LORD, Jesus Christ, You came to save us. You taught us about the Father’s love for us and You showed us loving obedience to the Father and the Father’s will. You conquered illnesses, You exorcised demons, You raised your friend Lazarus and the son of the widow of Nain. You revealed to your disciples then and to us through the gospels that You could even command the wind and the sea to obey. Send your Spirit to strengthen our resolve to follow where You lead us and to go where You send us without fear, filled with faith, buoyed by hope, and fueled by love. Grant that we may become the disciples You call us to be. Amen.