Divine providence challenged in storms

June 25, 2006 -- 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time

By Bishop Robert Morneau

	Bishop Robert Morneau
	Questions for reflection: 1. How accepting are you of your life's circumstances? 2. Is being in "control" a demon for you? 3. In what way is Mary a model of acceptance?

Douglas V. Steere was a highly respected Quaker who wrote powerfully about the Christian life and the call to holiness. In an essay entitled "Spiritual Renewal in our Time" (first appeared in Union Seminary Quarterly Review, November, 1961), he describes various qualities of holiness: availability, openness, deep vision, acceptance, joy, simplicity, willing to risk, and sanity. He illustrates each of these characteristics by often using examples from our Catholic tradition.

One quality applies well to today's readings: acceptance or, as Douglas Steere develops it, "to take life as it comes." This radical acceptance of embracing life's joys and sorrows is truly an amazing grace. All of us tend to have a certain vision of the way life ought to be: no flat tires, no storms or hurricanes, no broken relationships, no stubbing of our toes. Yet, life is filled with incredible blessings and incredible tragedies. Are we able to say "yes" to whatever comes and to find, even in the most difficult moments, the potential for grace?

The Gospel presents the disciples at sea during a storm. Jesus is sound asleep but is awakened with the question: "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" This is a question that echoes down the ages as countless people, involved in dangerous and life-threatening experiences, turn to God for assistance. The list is long: people oppressed by slavery; the millions of people in concentration camps; the victims of tsunamis and hurricanes. People who are perishing cry out for divine protection.

In today's Gospel the storm is stilled. The wind and the sea are calmed and the disciples are filled with awe. But there are other storms and other circumstances when people do not survive. It is here that faith is tested; it is here that the question of divine providence is challenged.

"Quiet! Be still!" When Jesus was in the garden (this time the disciples were asleep) and when Jesus hung upon the cross we know that He was not spared. Rather, He embraced suffering and death in radical obedience and acceptance. Here we are in the land of mystery. No rational explanation is forthcoming but there is the answer of faith: God's will be done, whatever it is.

Job too had to struggle with the question of storms and tragedies. He lost everything and challenged God as to why all this was taking place. The Book of Job is one of the most haunting texts in the entire Bible. Scholars have attempted to illumine the texts for thousands of years. In the end, Job accepted his destiny and embraced the joys and sorrows of life.

St. Paul, the master of acceptance, approached life after his conversion from the perspective of faith and love. It was the love of Christ that impelled him to sacrifice everything for the Gospel; it was deep faith that empowered him to see in Christ a new creation arising out of suffering and death. For St. Paul, the old things were indeed passing away and all would be made new.

Douglas Steere speaks of many qualities of holiness. William James complements Steere's approach when he wrote: "Dull submission is left far behind, and a mood of welcome, which may fill any place on the scale between cheerful serenity and enthusiastic gladness, has taken its place."

No dull submission by Jesus, Job, or St. Paul. And hopefully, not by us.

(Bp. Morneau is the auxiliary bishop of the Green Bay Diocese and pastor of Resurrection Parish in Allouez.)