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Here is the study for 6:30 am, Saturday morning, June 24th, 2006 in the Hearth Room at Epiphany.

Trusting Jesus In All Circumstances

Sunday, June 25, 2006
Job 38:1,8-11
Psalm 107:23-26,28-31
2 Corinthians 5:14-17
Mark 4:34-41

Click here for readings  (For quick review only; bring your Bible)

We can imagine the disciples’ panic as the water began to rise in the boat. Besides being vast and powerful, the sea is also unpredictable. When a storm rises, even a short distance from shore can seem like miles. Throughout Scripture, the surging sea has been used to represent the forces of chaos and darkness in the world—images we see in the great flood (Genesis 7:17-24) and the mythic sea creature Leviathan (Psalm 74:13-14).

Despite the turbulent seas, Jesus was not only calm but fast asleep. When the disciples woke him and asked: “Teacher, do you not care if we perish?” it appears that they knew he could do something but were concerned about his seeming lack of interest in them. The disciples had already seen Jesus deliver a demon-possessed man (Mark 1:21-27), heal a paralytic (2:1-12), and restore a man’s withered hand (3:1-5), yet they still feared that he would not save them. No wonder Jesus asked them: “Why are you afraid? Have you no faith?” (4:40)!

This miracle was yet another sign to the disciples (and to us) that Jesus is always aware and concerned, however bleak the circumstances are. The fact that the forces of nature responded so quickly to his rebuke showed his complete sovereignty—even over something so powerful. The storm didn’t just become manageable; “a great calm” resulted immediately (Mark 4:39)

Jesus is always with us, especially during the storms of life in this world. In his cross and resurrection, he not only triumphed over the powers of darkness in this world: He defeated death itself, our ultimate enemy. Now risen in glory, he offers us countless opportunities to cast our cares on him. Through challenge after challenge, he seeks to deepen our trust in his love and provision. In hope, let us surrender our lives to him.

“Lord Jesus, I believe that you care for me, even in the midst of chaos and confusion. Help me to abandon my life to you and trust that you will bring me safely into your kingdom.”

Questions for Reflection/Discussion by Catholic Men

1. In today's first readings, we read excerpts of words spoken by the Lord to Job in the form of many questions. He wanted to show Job how little he really understood about his great majesty and all-encompassing power, and his nature and character. How about you? Do you recognize how little you know about God? Why is it important to spend time in prayer and Scripture reading to allow God to deepen your relationship with him?
2. The Responsorial Psalm also speaks of the “wondrous deeds” of God and his everlasting love. How have you experienced these in your own life? Share a time when this Scripture from the Psalm was true for you, “They cried to the Lord in their distress; from their straits he rescued them.”
3. The second reading opens with these stirring words, “The love of Christ impels us.” It seems as if Paul is saying that everything he does for God is based on first knowing and experiencing Christ’s great love for him. Do you think that is what Paul is saying? How important is it to know and experience Christ’s great love for you? What steps can you take to deepen this knowledge and experience?
4. In the Gospel, we see a great demonstration of Jesus’ power and authority, “Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?” But we also see the great fear that arose in the disciples. What are the circumstances that can cause you to fall prey to fear?
5. The meditation reminds us, “Jesus is always with us, especially during the storms of life in this world.” Are their difficult situations in your life that have caused you to lose sight of Jesus’ great power and authority, and his great love for you? If so, ask the men in your group to pray with you to the Lord for these situations.

Come Holy Spirit!  ~  Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful, and en kindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your spirit and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth. Let us pray: O God, you taught the hearts of your faithful by sending them the light of your Holy Spirit. In that same spirit give us your right judgment and the joy of your consolation. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer to St. Joseph  ~  Glorious St. Joseph, guide and protector of the Holy Family, we ask that you obtain for us from your son, Jesus, the strength and wisdom to lead our families to their Father in heaven. Most Chaste spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, may we imitate your obedience to the will of God and be ever mindful of the vocation to which we have been called. Amen