12th Sunday in Ordinary Time (June 23, 2024)

All people face trials at some point in their lives. Often it can seem as though there is no hope for the future. The apostles themselves faced a similar situation. They were asked by Jesus to take their boats onto the sea, and it was there that they were threatened by a great storm. They were worried. It seemed that Jesus led them into the storm, but was not concerned about their well-being. In the end, they realized that Jesus not only cared for them, but was also able to protect them. He was God, and so greater than any storm or calamity.
Many women choose to keep their children, even amidst great pressure to have an abortion. When the trials of having a child increase, one can wonder if God has simply walked away, and given up on them. This is only a temptation. We can be sure that God never abandons us. God always loves us, and we must remind ourselves and others of this. When we are prone to despair, we should remember that “the Love of Christ urges us on.” We must remind these women that God is always there strengthening them.

In thanksgiving for all creation and for all life, which comes from the Lord of the earth, the sky, and the sea, we pray to the Lord ...