Scripture:
Amos 3:1-8, 4:11-12
Matthew 8:23-27
Reflection:
Lord, save us, for we are perishing. -Matthew 8:25
In today’s Gospel, we find Jesus and his disciples in a boat on the Sea of Galilee, after a long day with people. Jesus is tired, and he sleeps. Then a terrible storm threatens to overturn the boat. Having fished on this lake for years, the disciples were accustomed to storms. But this storm was different. The word used in the gospel is “seismic”, translated “earthquake” or cosmic disturbance.
In this unusually violent storm, swamped by waves, they feared for their lives. So, they cried out to Jesus for help: “Lord, save us, for we are perishing”. And Jesus responded and calmed the storm.
This passage from Matthew’s gospel recounts something that happened over 2,000 years ago. But it is still happening today.
People all over the world in very perilous circumstances are crying out: “Lord, save us, for we are perishing!”
–Some have had their lives overturned by a war that has destroyed their homes and communities.
–Others are being swamped by waves of hurricanes and floods brought on by climate change.
–Others are swamped by waves of grief over a sudden death of a loved one, or a child lost to addiction.
How does Jesus answer these desperate prayers?
Jesus heals and rebuilds in and through His people, the Body of Christ:
People who have lost their homes in Ukraine are helped by Catholic Relief Services and Caritas Spes Ukraine, who are collaborating with local contractors to repair their bombed-out communities.
People dislocated because of climate change are helped by Catholic Climate Covenant’s mobilizing people to lower their carbon footprints and advocacy for renewable energy, so that extreme weather events will lessen, and those most affected by climate change can stay in their homes.
And those who are grieving a loved one meet Mater Dolorosa, the Sorrowful Mother when they encounter the Passionist family. Mary our Mother understands the pain of loss and leads us into healing, drawing us into the Paschal Mystery of life, death, and new life.
When Jesus calmed the storm, the disciples knew better who He was, and their faith grew stronger. They went on to became part of Jesus’ mission of re-building and healing in the Body of Christ. We 21st century disciples can do no less.
Patty Gillis is a retired Pastoral Minister. She serves on the Board of Directors at St. Paul of the Cross Passionist Retreat and Conference Center in Detroit, Michigan. Patty is currently a member of the Laudato Si’ Vision Fulfillment Team and the Passionist Solidarity Network.