Daily Gospel Reflection for January 28, 2017

Today's Gospel: Mark 4:35-41 - Memorial of St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Thomas Aquinas may be known for his unparalleled leadership in the world of philosophical thought. What you may not know is that he is a patron against thunderstorms. When he was a young boy, his youngest sister and he were asleep in the same room. She was killed by a lightning strike. Thomas was not. This great giant of faith and philosophy remained frightened of thunderstorms for the rest of his life. When storms did come, however, he would go into the nearest church, drawing as close to Our Lord’s presence as he could as the storm passed by.

Today’s gospel on this saint’s feast day, then, should not surprise us. We see the apostles in a boat with Jesus. When a violent squall comes up, Jesus remains asleep - on a cushion, no less! The apostles wake Jesus, of course, who rebukes them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?” How often have we grown impatient for Jesus to stop our storm? How often did we panic instead of simply drawing near to the Lord of both wind and wave?

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Ponder:

How can I learn from St. Thomas Aquinas’s example and draw closer to the Lord when my life seems stormy?

Pray:

Lord, grant me the faith to remember that You are in charge, even in your apparent silence, even in the midst of real terror.

Copyright 2017 Erin McCole Cupp