23 June 2024 - Proper 7, Year B

This week, we are returning to our weekly Lectionary Reflections based on the prescribed readings from the Revised Common Lectionary.

We are currently in The Season After Pentecost, also known as Ordinary Time. We are in Year B of the Lectionary which focuses on readings from the Gospel of Mark. As we journey through Ordinary Time over the next several months, we will journey through Mark’s action packed Gospel together.

Ordinary Time also provides two Old Testament readings and two Psalms to reflect on. For the sake of brevity, we will primarily be using the two readings that link thematically to the Gospel reading.

Theme

There is a clear theme throughout this week’s readings of God’s faithfulness and salvation in times of distress. In Mark, Jesus calms the storm that caused the disciples much fear. In 2 Corinthians, Paul explains how God has sustained him and blessed others through his many trials and afflictions. In Job, Job is reminded of the greatness of the God whom he worships. The Psalmist declares that their God has rescued them from their troubles and distress.

Scripture Readings

  • Mark 4:35-41 - Jesus and the disciples cross the lake and encounter a fierce storm. Jesus is asleep on the stern. The disciples wake him and ask: “Do you not care that we are perishing? Jesus calms the storm by saying: “Peace! Be still!” He then asks the disciples why they are so afraid? Do they still have no faith? The disciples wonder who this man is that even the wind and the sea obey him.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 - The apostle Paul speaks about the many afflictions that he and his colleagues have encountered in their ministry. But God has been faithful and blessed many through their work.
  • Job 38:1-11 - God comforts Job out of the whirlwind and reminds Job who created and sustains the earth.
  • Psalm 107:1-3, 23-32 - “Give thanks to the Lord for he is Good; his love endures forever.” The Psalmist reminds the Israelites how God rescued many from their troubles and distress.

Personal Application

Many seem to think that life becomes easier once we become Christians. This is not necessarily true. The disciples encountered tremendous hardships and even literal storms when following Jesus. The apostle Paul was deeply afflicted. Even though Job was faithful to God, his life got harder and harder.

The Good News of this week’s readings is that God is present throughout our suffering and is always working towards bringing about peace in our storms and blessings through our afflictions.

We do not have to live in fear because of our afflictions and storms because we worship the God who created the heavens and the earth and is continuously working for it’s renewal.

How do this week’s readings comfort you as you face your own personal pains and suffering in this world?

Communal Application

So many people in our communities are suffering through tremendous difficulties at the moment, whether financial, emotional, spiritual, or physical. What are we doing to remind people that we worship the God of heaven and earth who calms storms and blesses our afflictions? How are we helping worshippers stay connected to this God and to each other in support and solidarity?

Holy Communion is the blessed and holy sacrament that reminds us of these truths. As we partake in the bread and the cup, we are reminded that Jesus suffered and understands our suffering. We are reminded that God can use tremendous suffering to bring about salvation and resurrection. We gather alongside others who are carrying their own burdens and we are encouraged to share each other’s loads.

Are we, as churches, reminding people of the value of attending worship and Holy Communion services? Are we creating worship spaces where people are reminded of the faithfulness of God and where they can compassionately share each other’s burdens.

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