CYCLE B – 12TH Sunday in Ordinary Time – June 21, 2015

Gospel Only

(Who then is this, that even the wind and sea obey him?)

Theme: The readings attest to the awesome power and commanding presence of God amidst our struggle with fear and evil. The Gospel also offers a clue to the identity of Jesus through his authority to still the raging waters of storm.

OPENING PRAYER

Leader: Give thanks to the Lord, God’s love is everlasting.

All Some went down to the sea in ships, doing business on the mighty

waters; they saw the deeds of the Lord, his wondrous works in the deep.

Leader: For he commanded and raised the stormy wind, which lifted up the waves of the sea. They mounted up to heaven and they went down

to the depths; their courage melted away in their calamity.

All: They cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out

from their distress; he made the storm be still, and the waves of

the sea sere hushed.

Leader: Then they were glad when it grew calm, and he brought them to

their desired haven. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love,

for his wonderful works to human beings.

All: Give thanks to the Lord, God’s love is everlasting.

SHARING THE WORD

Gospel – Mark 4:35-41

1.  The invitation to get into the boat and traverse the lake with Jesus is an invitation to cross over from the fears that imprison us to walk in freedom on the shores of new life. When have you experience freedom from fear?

2.  The disciples were ready to cross from fear to faith but when the storm came they were not able to do so. Recall a storm in your life that was too powerful to handle. What was this like for you? In what ways did you sense God’s power/presence in the midst of your storm?

3.  Jesus remains calmly present to the disciples throughout the doubt and fear of the disciples? How do you make your support present to those in crisis?

LIVING THE WORD

In what ways can you make a better effort to support those around you who are crippled by fear?

PRAYING THE LORD

Leader: We pray for those who are disabled by fear, may we truly be present to one another as a people of the freedom and peace of a new creation. We pray to the Lord.

INVITE INTERCESSIONS ENDING WITH THE OUR FATHER…

CLOSING PRAYER

Leader: Loving God, you are with us in the storms of our lives. Increase our faith in your presence. Bring us to remember, and grace us with the spirit of your courage to choose the freedom and fullness of life to which your Son invites us.

All: Amen

Leader: Let us offer one another the sign of peace.