Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Today we celebrate the Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary TIme in the midst of a heat wave. Temperatures are soring and storms are raging in different parts of our country. Everyone is asking when will it end.

In our Gospel today we hear the familiar story of the disciples in a boat with Jesus. Jesus is asleep in the stern when a squall comes upon them. The disciples wake Jesus and ask "do you not care that we are perishing?" At that point Jesus wakes up and commands the sea to be quiet. The disciples are amazed and are in awe of Jesus.

St. Teresa of Avila was going on a journey and prayed for a safe and successful journey. She encountered many calamaties along the way. Teresa asked Jesus why it was so difficult and Jesus' response was, "Teresa don't you know this is how I treat my friends." Her response was "No wonder you have so few of them."

Life is difficult and we face many challenges along the way. It is our faith that pulls us through the difficult moments. We are called to take time to be present with Jesus in all things not just the good or the not so good.  The call is ongoing. We are invited to come to Jesus at all times not just in the difficult ones or when we need something. "Come as you are, that's how I want you," is Jesus' invitation to us.  We do not have to have everything in perfect order. Jesus just want us to come and be at peace with Him.