Every once in a while, we get a scriptural buffet or smorgasbord of such incredible delight, and it truly is a case of being able to approach that word from any and all directions.
We could begin with the verse before the Gospel, or the Gospel scene itself when the terrified disciples come to the conclusion that “even the wind and sea obey him.”
Who is he? How does he have such power and authority?
Or we could munch on the lovely reflection of Abraham in the letter to the Hebrews.
Every part of these scriptures focus interchangeably and interconnectedly around the great theme of faith and belief.
And that faith is faith in God, faith in Jesus, faith in the promises of God, and faith in eternal life.
And the very first line of the scriptures today, as well as the final few sentences of the Gospel, are like bookends holding all of the rest of God’s word today in a perfect harmonious hymn.
Singing out beautifully the psalm refrain that we keep repeating today in the responsorial psalm: “Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel; he has come to his people.”
And an extra special treat is that these scriptures just happen to fall on the Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas.
Oh, there is a special set of scriptures for this day, but the scriptures for the third Saturday fit deliciously!
Thomas, the great teacher, theologian, and doctor of the church, would be smacking his lips with delight and pleasure at the pure logic and integral connectivity of the word today.
Delicious!
+ But having said all of that, what a high point and searing climax to the word today in the question that Jesus puts before the disciples in the midst of this storm on the sea. That, by the way, didn’t wake the sleeping Jesus nor disturb him at all. Question: Was he faking it so he could have a teaching moment, or was he genuinely fast asleep? Who knows? Who cares?
Because the point that he makes to the disciples is spot on: “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”
One thinks of all the issues in life that we have to face at one time or another.
Some folks are blessed or cursed with so many things, even at the same time: health issues, money problems, addictions, relationship woes, death of loved ones, floods, earthquakes or other disasters, doubts, worries, fears, depression, being lost or staying lost for long periods of time, betrayals, inability to forgive, negativity, angers. This list seems almost endless. And yet Jesus, through it all, asks the same question to the disciples: “Why are you terrified?”
And the opening words from that letter of Hebrews hauntingly sets us straight: “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen.”
Really? Is that possible?
I don’t see it, but I hope it.
Or just maybe it is a different kind of seeing and hearing, the kind of seeing and hearing that is done deep in the soul and with the heart.
Maybe this God, in all kinds of ways and through all kinds of things — and in both good and bad times, and in joy and pain and sorrow — maybe this God truly has come to his people.
And maybe we can only see and hear and live it with faith!
Father Perry D. Leiker is the 13th pastor of St. Bernard Catholic Church. Reach him at (323) 255-6142. Email Father Perry at pleiker@stbernard-church.com. Follow Father Perry on Twitter: @MrDeano76.
