Pastor's Letter -- June 20, 2021

My dear parishioners,
Welcome to what I would like to call “Storm Sunday.”

Indeed, God’s Word is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). Have you observed how the Lord speaks to us in sacred scripture? Perhaps like me, some, if not many of you, might have noticed how the readings, whether for Mass or The Liturgy of the Hours seem to speak to what you are going through in your lives. This has always been a source of wonder for me. How could the liturgical reform that saw the expansion of the readings at the liturgy have envisaged every possible situation? My reflection on this phenomenon leads me to believe that God’s spirit was at work as the church selected the readings for the liturgy. This further confirms our Lord’s promise to be with his church till the end of time.

In this Sunday’s first reading, we hear God address Job for the first time. Job had been through violent storms in his own life. Even though he had been faithful to the Lord, such that he was even the subject of God’s boasting to Satan (Job 1:8), he lost his family to death and all his possession in one single day. As if that was not tragic enough, his body was not spared. Losing his bodily integrity and the support of his wife and friends, in utter frustration, Job utters what could pass for a challenge of God’s authority. Having listened to Job, God now questions Job’s right to challenge God’s authority, and then leads him even deeper to the mystery of creation. In the midst of the storm, God reminds Job who is in control.

The Responsorial Psalm (Ps 107) continues with the storm theme. It speaks of sailors caught up in the high waves of a tempest “They who sailed the sea in ships … saw the works of the Lord and His wonders in the abyss” by first “raising up a storm wind,” then “hushing the storm to a gentle breeze. God is more than able to calm any storm.

In the Gospel reading, the author of Mark’s gospel presents Jesus as Lord of creation. With a simple command he brings calm to the troubled hearts of his apostles. Jesus has promised to be with his church always till the end of time. As long as we turn to him, who is always present in our boat, and ask him to save us, we can be sure he will speak the word of peace and comfort. And our storms will be still.

With all that we are going through, whether as individuals, family or as a parish, it might be appropriate to say that we too are in some kind of storm. With your beloved former pastor gone to a new assignment, and the flurry of emotions his departure must have generated; with me, your new pastor, away this weekend for a family event, with the immediate challenges I anticipate as I settle into life here at St. Therese, it seems fitting to utter an adapted version of the apostles’ plea: “Save us, teacher, the storm is raging!”

As I reflect on recent events, I feel the invitation to consider these transitions as something the Lord wills; or at least, permits. Whatever storms we are facing right now, whether physical, emotional, or spiritual; whether we have doubts, worry, or anxiety, we can find succor in knowing that the Lord Jesus is always present and willing to calm them down. God can heal our hearts. And because the risen Lord is in the boat of our Church and of our parish, no storm can sink it.

A blessed and happy Father’s Day to all our fathers. May St. Joseph intercede for you to be a true example to your families and the world.

May Jesus bless you, and may our Lady protect you!
With blessings from my heart,