Twelfth Sunday in Ordinary Time
In my homily today I would like to focus on the story of Jesus calming the storm (Mk 4:35-41). I would like to concentrate on the introduction to the story. Mark tells us that “As the evening drew near, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side” (Mk 4:35).” I would like focus only only this one proposal Jesus makes, "Let us cross to the other side."
Let me draw three practical implications from this invitation that Jesus offered his disciples:
The Other Side
It is interesting that Jesus says to the disciples, “Let us cross to the other side” (Mk 4:35). I wonder if this was an innocent proposal. By the end of the storm, Jesus had something very significant to say to the disciples. He said, "Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?" (Mk 4:40). It seems to me that Jesus was not merely proposing that they cross over to the other side of the lake but cross over to the other side in following Jesus. I call it the other side of faith. Jesus was really calling his disciples to follow him more closely, more radically, and more faithfully. It is not that the disciples were not serious followers already. In fact, they had left their families, their livelihood, and their past to follow Jesus. But Jesus was calling them to a deeper commitment. I also believe that Jesus is saying to us today, “Let us cross over to the other side.” In other words, Jesus is calling us to an even deeper commitment.
Are we willing to cross to the other side? This can be an exciting, but difficult, frightening, and terrifying experience? But Jesus says to us the very thing he said to his disciples, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” (Mk 5:40).
Whats on the Other Side
Before we go to the other side with Jesus, let us reflect a little more about Jesus’ invitation. Faith is often called a journey, a pilgrimage. Our journey began when we were born, and our final destination is heaven. In a pilgrimage the actual traverse is as important and holy as the final destination. On the pilgrimage of life there are moments of great beauty, love, contentment and peace. But the journey is also fraught with difficulties and danger. The disciples left everything and followed Jesus. For a moment it was pleasant, and the ride was smooth. But when they ran into a squall, the panicked. The question Jesus asked them is important: “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” (Mk 5:40)
Take a look at your faith today, at this very moment. What was your faith during your First Communion? How much did it grow at Confirmation? How many years have passed? I am sure you have grown in your faith since then. Your faith is where it is now. Are you happy where you are in your faith life? Jesus says to us, “Let us cross over to the other side? Where does Jesus want to take you in your faith life. We do not have to wait for a squall to discover that we need to grow in our faith.
This week spend some time reflecting on the present state of your faith life and how you can grow from where you are and cross to the other side.
No Longer Living for Ourselves
Today’s second reading presents one important area in which we are being invited by Jesus to “cross to the other side.” In the second letter to the Corinthians Paul says, “He [Jesus] died for all so that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (2 Cor 5:15). Today, we are being invited to cross to the other side from living for ourselves to living for God and for others.
Without boasting, let me share an example from my life. I am from India. I came here 21 years ago. I finished my Masters and then my Ph.D. I first was a resident priest, then an associate pastor and then a pastor. And I was happy, content, and I was growing in my faith. Then a squall hit my life. I came into contact with many immigrants. I went to El Paso to understand the immigration issue. I felt Jesus saying to me that I must cross to the other side. I came back and began to minister to the Hispanic population. I began to learn a new language, become familiar with a new culture, begin to say celebrate Mass in Spanish, then preach in Spanish and celebrate all the sacraments in Spanish. Today, I am on my way to the other side. Today, I know that I must live not for myself, but for God and for you. I must cross to the other side.
How might Paul be inviting you to live not for yourself but for God and for others? This week, spend some time in reflection on this question. Talk to Christ. Speak with your spouse, have a family meeting, speak to a friend. Be open to the events in your life. Christ wants to take you to the other side. Are you willing to go? Are you willing not to live for yourself but for Christ, for others, even for those you may not like? Are you willing to cross to the other side?
Paul begins today’s scripture by saying, “The love of Christ impels us…” (2 Cor 5:14). May the love of Christ impel us to cross with him to the other side. Paul also says, “So whoever is in Christ is a new creation” (2 Cor 5:17). On the other side with Christ, may we be a new creation; may we live a new life for Him.
- Fr. Satish Joseph