Homily - 12B Sunday homily (23 June 2024) Jesus calms the storm on the sea

 

12B SUNDAY HOMILY, MARK 4:35-41, JUNE 23, 2025 

1. STORY

John Newton, the son of an English sea captain, went to sea at 17 and began leading a wild life.  He took a job on a cargo ship carrying slaves from Africa to America and eventually became the captain of the ship.  One night, a violent storm blew up at sea.  Everyone on board was filled with panic.  Then John did something he had not done before.  He prayed and said, "God, if you save me, I promise to be your slave forever."  God heard his prayer and the ship survived.  John kept his promise.  He left the ship, studied in the seminary, and was ordained pastor of a small church in England.  He became a famous preacher and composer of hymns.  One hymn he wrote was "Amazing Grace."  The song begins "Amazing grace how sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me."

 

2. GOSPEL: MARK 4:35-41

A. THE DISCIPLES WERE TERRIFIED BY THE STORM.

When Jesus and the disciples were on the Sea of Galilee, a violent storm came up and waves were crashing into the boat.  The terrified disciples woke Jesus and said, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" 

B. JESUS CALMED THE STORM

"Jesus woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, Quiet.  Be still."  The wind ceased and there was a great calm.  Jesus rebuked the disciples for their little faith.

 

3. APPLICATION TO LIFE

A. STORMS IN OUR LIVES

Just as the disciples were faced with a storm, we are also faced with many storms in the form of problems.

i) There are health problems we or family members may have.  Some may even lead to the death of a loved one.

ii) There are relationship problems with God by losing faith in him, with family members, colleagues at work, or with friends.

iii) There are financial problems.  Our income may not be sufficient to meet our needs.  There may be no work, money to pay rent, or money for the children's education.  We must go to Jesus for help just as the disciples did. 

B. JESUS SAVES US

There are three ways we can ask Jesus for help. 

i) Pray to Jesus knowing that he loves us and wants us to be happy.  Jesus has the power to help us solve our problems.

ii) Ask Jesus to increase our faith.  Jesus knows we are in trouble.  We must be patient and let Jesus help us in his own way and in his own time for results.

iii) Ask Jesus to help us follow the good example of Mary by saying, "Thy will be done."  Jesus knows what is best for us.  We must accept his will and what he has planned for us.

 

4. CONCLUSION

Jesus helped John by saving his life.  Jesus helped the disciples by calming the sea.  Jesus will help us solve our problems.  We thank Jesus for his love and care.  We pray for an increase in faith.