Homily: Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas

Feast of St. Thomas Aquinas (Mark:35-41) “Riding Out the Storm”

In the Gospels Jesus seems to move back and forth across the Sea of Galilee frequently. It would be like us commuting across town. But surely it was not that easy. The Sea of Galilee was not a huge body of water. It is thirteen miles long and seven miles wide. This would make it far smaller than any of the Great Lakes.

The Sea of Galilee is below sea level. Only one other lake is at a lower elevation. We would think that it would be a fairly placid body of water, but there are high hills all around it. Winds would sweep down from higher elevations without warning causing the storms that would make sailing on it dangerous.

All of this geography sets the scene for the story we read about in today’s gospel. The fact that Jesus can sleep through the turmoil that is going on around him is shocking, but it makes for a great story. The implication is that he feels secure even though others are in great fear.

We can use this story as an allegory for our lives. How often do we feel frightened as we go through the trials of life? We can think of any number of storms going on in our world. We have the threat of nuclear confrontation in the Ukraine and North Korea. There is the political turmoil that is brewing in our country and throughout the world. How do we handle it.

Some Buddhist wisdom might help us. Once two friends were sitting in a shelter during a violent storm. One friend was alarmed, the other sat calmly with eyes closed. The first person asked, “How can you be so calm with the wind blowing so badly?” The other person responded, “As I sit here listening, I listen to each individual rain drop. Then I don’t hear the storm. I only hear raindrops.”

I think Jesus would agree with this philosophy. When we look at the big picture it can be so overwhelming. When we break down the big picture into individual experiences it seems less so. We can perceive the small blessings as well as the small struggles. Why are we afraid.

Reflection Questions:

1.    What do I hear in my life right now? Is it overwhelming noise?

2.   Does my faith make it easier to handle the obstacles I run into? Do I remember that Jesus is in the boat with me when I am negotiating rough water?

 Dear Parishioners,

           This Sunday is the beginning of Catholic Schools week. There will be a Mass at 11 a.m. to mark the beginning of the week. Students will be participating in the ministries and there will be a special other prayers and sharing about our Catholic Grade School.

          On Monday from 7:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. there will be a drive through at the middle school. Treats will be given to those who pass through the parking lot. This is an attempt to thank all those who have given of their time, talents or treasure to our school.

          Catholic Schools week is always a special time for our parish community. Go to the Seton Facebook page to get a full schedule for the week.

          May Our Lady pray for us as we live this day.

          Fr. Mark