Give Thanks to the God of Goodness,
Whose Love Is Everlasting
Today’s Scriptures set us in the midst of a raging sea – in Biblical tradition a symbol of chaos: all that threatens peace and well-being. Anyone who has witnessed the violent winds and lashing waves of a storm at sea understands the terror of the disciples and the fearful hearts of the sailors described in today’s psalm. Psalm 107, another psalm of thanksgiving, reminds us of the reason for our hope, the everlasting love of God. There are natural disasters over which we have no control, whether wind, rain, or sea, and thank God for saving us from danger and oppression. The psalm affirms that God is all-powerful and always wills our good but not our puppet or vending machine that answers our demands. God operates beyond our imagination or understanding. May we be open to the wonders of God.
Those who sailed the sea in ships trading on the deep waters;
they saw the works of their God and God’s wonders in the abyss.
God’s command raised up a storm wind which tossed its waves on high.
They sank down to the depths; their hearts melted away.
They cried to their God in distress.
From their straits God rescued them.
God hushed the storm to a breeze
and the waves of the sea were stilled.
They rejoiced in the calm as God brought them to port.
Let them celebrate God’s love, all the wonders revealed to them.
[Verses 23-26, 28-29: Roy James Stewart © 1993, GIA Publications, Inc. Verses 30-31 from The Psalter © 1995, Archdiocese of Chicago: Liturgy Training Publications. The English translation of the Liturgical Psalter © 1994. ICEL, Inc. All rights reserved.]