Daily Gospel Reflection
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June 30, 2020
As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. A windstorm arose on the sea, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”
And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. They were amazed, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?”
In today’s gospel, Jesus’ disciples cry out for his help when the boat they were navigating encountered strong winds and stormy waters at sea. Jesus, who was with them but sleeping, awoke and calmed the storm, and asked his disciples why they were terrified and did not have faith. They were amazed by Jesus’s ability to command the wind and the sea.
Although we might experience difficult times, tough situations, and challenges, Jesus tells us that if we keep him in our vessel we do not have to be terrified. If we keep Jesus close to us and keep our faith in him, he will help us navigate the storms that we encounter.
While Jesus responded to the disciples’ desperate plea immediately and with more magnificence than they probably imagined possible, we may not always receive such an immediate response to our pleas, and may not perceive the response with such clarity. We need to put our steadfast faith in Jesus, however, and trust that he knows how to navigate us through the storms of our lives.
The key to receiving his guidance and assistance is to keep Jesus near us and to maintain faith in him. We accomplish this by knowing Jesus through Scripture and maintaining a relationship with him through prayer. Just as Jesus responded to the disciples’ plea for help, the Lord will respond to our prayers in a manner that allows us to navigate our storms so that we can become closer to him and reach eternal happiness with him in heaven.
Prayer
There are times, O Lord, when daily realities frustrate us. Sometimes one thing after another happens, and we feel overwhelmed. These are the times when we most yearn for your presence and your support, yet we don’t feel it or sense it. Please…..tell us what we can do! We need your help so much at those times. Amen.
Saint of the Day
Emma was St. Emma, also known as Emma of Lesum or Emma of Stiepel, and the city she lived in is now called Bremen.
Born in the early eleventh century, Emma was a Saxon princess, descended from the Saxon King Widuking who fought against Charlemagne.
Emma was married off to a wealthy Saxon count. But, soon after their marriage, her husband journeyed to Russia and died. Emma returned to her father's house. Emma had been a headstrong young woman and wife. After her husband's death, however, she developed a new contemplative spirit and devoted herself to good works.
Emma used her family's good standing and wealth to care for the Church, particularly the poor. Her fortune helped construct the Bremen Cathedral, and, more importantly, was used to give life to many of the peasants and destitute in her city.
Legend has it that, after she died, her entire body turned to dust, except for her right hand, which she had used to bestow charity upon the poor. The relic of her hand became an object of much medieval devotion, as Emma lived the truth that those who care for God's chosen—the poor—will receive treasure in heaven.
St. Emma, noble Christian who cared for the poor with your great wealth—pray for us!
Image Credit: Our featured image of St. Emma is used with permission from Catholic Online. Last accessed March 11, 2025.