Daily HOMILY for July 1, 2014: Tuesday of the 13th Week of Ordinary Time

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In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute.  Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more:  https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/

Tuesday 13^th Week in OT

St. Luke’s Institute

July 1, 2014

JUST A STORY +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  It’s an old familiar story of Jesus calming the storm at sea and rebuking Peter and the disciples for their lack of faith

Ø  Unfortunately, it remains up here in our heads as just an old familiar story

MY STORY +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  But today I’d invite you to think of a storm in your life, as an opportunity you didn’t have before, to take Jesus Christ at his word

Ø  But make it a real storm:

o   Like the sudden and tragic death of a loved one and you’re enraged at God

o   Or a storm of your emotions that sends you into a tailspin, as if picked up and borne off by a tornado

o   Or a pain or illness that rips at every fiber of your being and nothing brings you relief

Ø  These are storms perhaps more fearful than that afternoon in the boat on the Sea of Galilee

Ø  More fearful because we feel like we’re in them alone and isolated from the support or solidarity of others

THE DIFFERENCE ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  It’s only into one of my many storms where I am completely out of control,

Ø  Where I am helpless to do anything, that a unique situation occurs

Ø  For take note that I’ve moved from my intellectual understanding of an old familiar story about someone, to a very real existential experience of uncontrollable chaos in my own life 

Ø  This becomes a unique moment in which Jesus has my attention like he’s never had before

CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Today’s Gospel account assures me that I have his attention, not just in the worst of storms, but at any time,

Ø  And that he will be true to his word and bring me through this

Ø  Yes, I will get through this with my surrender to the Lord!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++