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12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Sunday June 20, 2027

Trust in the Storm

The 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B reminds us that God is always in control, even when life feels uncertain. The readings speak of wind, sea, and fear—but also of faith and calm. God shows His power and care through the storm, teaching us to trust Him when we face troubles.

In the story from Job, God speaks of setting limits for the sea. This shows that nothing is beyond His reach. In the psalm, sailors cry out in fear, and God brings them to safety. Paul tells us that Christ makes us new, changing how we live.

The Gospel tells how Jesus calms the storm and asks His followers why they are afraid. On the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, we remember that God’s love is steady. Even when our faith is weak, He is with us, bringing peace when the waves rise.

Mass Readings for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

  • First Reading – Job 38:1, 8-11: The Lord tells Job how He set boundaries for the sea, controlling its limits and waves.
  • Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 107: God shows his power and love by calming the storm and bringing sailors to safety. We should praise him for his kindness and wonders.
  • Second Reading – 2 Corinthians 5:14-17: Christ’s love leads us to live for him, not for ourselves. In Christ, we become a new creation, leaving the old behind.
  • Gospel – Mark 4:35-4: Jesus calms a storm after his disciples wake him in fear. He questions their faith, and they are amazed that even the wind and sea obey him.

Lectionary Reference: 95

The readings above are for lectionary cycle B. For other years see the links below:
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C

He woke up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!”

Mark 4:39

Themes for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

On the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, the readings show God’s power and love. They remind us to trust in Him and live as new creations in Christ.

  • God’s Power Over Creation: God sets boundaries for the sea and controls its limits. This shows His power and authority over all creation.
  • Trust in God’s Control: In the Gospel, Jesus calms the storm. He asks the disciples why they are afraid, reminding us to trust in God’s control over our lives.
  • Christ’s Love Changes Us: Paul’s letter says Christ’s love leads us to live for Him. In Christ, we become new creations, leaving our old selves behind.
  • New Life in Christ: We are called to live differently because of Christ. Our old ways are gone, and we are made new.
  • Faith in Difficult Times: The disciples’ fear during the storm shows a lack of faith. Jesus’ calming of the storm shows that faith in Him can bring peace.

These themes help us understand the readings for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B. They remind us to trust in God’s power and let Christ’s love transform our lives.

Resources for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

What Are You Afraid Of? Lesson Plan

This lesson plan helps youth understand how faith in Jesus can bring peace during life’s storms. Based on the Gospel for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B (Mark 4:35-41), it starts by discussing fun, scary activities and then shifts to deeper fears.

The lesson emphasizes trusting Jesus and turning to Him for peace and calm. It encourages youth to rely on their faith and seek support from trusted friends or adults.

Ships and Sailors Game

Ships and Sailors is a fun, fast-paced game for Vacation Bible School, camp, or youth group. It works well with middle schoolers and older. Players follow nautical-themed commands, like “Captain’s coming” or “Man overboard.” The game helps with memory and listening skills and is great for large groups. It can be played indoors or outdoors.

This game fits well with a discussion based on the Gospel for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B (Mark 4:35-41), where Jesus calms the storm, teaching about faith and trust.

The Book of Job: The Voice That Commands the Sea

The Book of Job explores human suffering and trust in God’s wisdom. In this passage, God reminds Job that He alone set the limits of creation. The sea, a symbol of chaos, is under His command. This fits the book’s larger theme that human understanding is limited, and God’s power and order go far beyond what we can see.

By showing His control over the sea, God invites Job to trust His plan even without answers. The 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B uses this reading to remind us that God’s authority brings peace amid turmoil.

To learn more, read about the Book of Job.

Psalm 107: Praise the One Who Calms the Storm

Psalm 107 tells of God’s care for His people in times of trouble. Sailors caught in a storm cry out, and God brings them safely to shore. This psalm fits into the larger theme of gratitude and deliverance that runs through the Book of Psalms. It teaches that God listens when His people call out in faith.

The verses chosen for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B echo the Gospel’s image of calming the sea. God’s love and mercy are not distant but active in the storms of life.

To go deeper, explore Psalm 107.

See a contemporary prayer based on Psalm 107.

The Second Letter to the Corinthians: Becoming a New Creation

In 2 Corinthians, Paul writes about renewal and reconciliation. Here he tells the community that Christ’s love changes everything. The death and resurrection of Jesus make possible a new life centered on God’s will. This fits Paul’s message that believers are called to live for others, not for themselves.

The 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B uses this reading to show how faith transforms the heart. When we belong to Christ, the old life passes away, and something new begins.

To study this theme further, see more about the Second Letter to the Corinthians.

The Gospel of Mark: Faith in the Midst of the Storm

The Gospel of Mark highlights Jesus’ authority and the call to trust in Him. In this story, the disciples panic as a storm rages, but Jesus commands the wind and sea to be still. This shows His divine power over creation and points to the theme of faith in action throughout the Gospel.

Mark often shows the disciples struggling to believe. The 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B invites us to see ourselves in their fear and to hear Jesus’ call to deeper faith. His question, “Why are you afraid?” still challenges us today.

To learn more, visit the article on the Gospel of Mark.

Homilies and Commentaries for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Peace in the Storm

In his homily for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the story of Jesus calming the storm in Mark’s Gospel. He offers three interpretations: first, Jesus asleep in the boat represents inner peace amid life’s storms. Second, if Christ is “asleep” within us due to neglecting our spiritual life, we must wake Him through prayer and sacraments. Third, Jesus’ sleep symbolizes His death and resurrection, showing that He has conquered chaos and death. By trusting in Him, we find peace and victory over life’s challenges.

Be Not Afraid!

In his reflection for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Jeff Cavins encourages us to boldly share the Gospel, despite fear or opposition. He reminds us that Jeremiah faced persecution but was assured of God’s protection. Jesus warns that sharing the truth may lead to rejection, as it did for Him. The key to overcoming fear is deepening our relationship with Christ. Cavins emphasizes that we should fear God more than people and trust in His care, as we are valuable to Him. Acknowledging Jesus before others means He will acknowledge us before the Father, offering a powerful incentive to be courageous witnesses.

In the Storm

On the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Scott Hahn reflects on Jesus calming the storm and its connection to the story of Jonah. Both stories show God’s power over nature and call us to trust in Him. The Psalm for this Sunday echoes this theme, describing sailors saved by God during a storm. Hahn emphasizes that just as the Apostles were called to trust Jesus, we must trust Him in our own life’s storms. We are new creations in Christ, living with faith and thanksgiving, trusting that God is always with us.

Why Is Life So Full of Suffering?

Trusting God’s Plan

In this homily for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Bishop Barron discusses the book of Job and the problem of suffering. Job, a righteous man, loses everything and questions God. In response, God speaks from a whirlwind, highlighting His control over creation. Bishop Barron compares this to Jesus calming the storm in the Gospel. Both stories remind us that God’s ways are beyond our understanding, and we must trust in His plan. Our sufferings, like Job’s, are part of a larger divine providence. Ultimately, we are called to trust in God’s wisdom and care.

The True Meaning of Surrender

In his homily for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Fr. Mike Schmitz explains the concept of surrendering to God using the example of Walter Ciszek, a Jesuit priest. He clarifies that surrender is not giving up but giving God access to our lives. Surrender is a continuous process, much like balancing, and involves letting go of rebellion and resentment. He shares a prayer of surrender by St. Ignatius of Loyola to illustrate this. By praying, “Take Lord, and receive all my liberty, (the Suscipe prayer)” we open ourselves to God’s will, moving beyond complaint and truly living for God.

The ‘De Profundis’ Prayer

On the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Bishop Barron reflects on Psalm 130 and the “De profundis” prayer. This prayer, meaning “out of the depths,” expresses our deep reliance on God during our darkest times. Bishop Barron connects this to the Gospel story where Jesus calms the storm. The disciples, terrified and feeling helpless, cry out to Jesus, who calms the sea, showing His power and care. Bishop Barron encourages us to pray “out of the depths” in our own struggles, trusting that Christ will bring peace and calm to our storms.

Trusting God in the Storm

In the USCCB video reflection for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, we explore Job’s and the disciples’ experiences during storms. God questions Job, highlighting His control over creation, while Jesus calms the storm on the Sea of Galilee, asking His disciples about their faith. Both stories emphasize that despite suffering and fear, God is ultimately in charge. Job had to acknowledge God’s power, and the disciples gradually understood Jesus’ divine nature, fully realized after His resurrection. We are challenged to move beyond fear and place our faith in the Risen Christ, trusting in His power and presence.

The Storm at Sea

On the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, Bishop Barron reflects on Jesus calming the storm. He connects this Gospel story to our own lives, showing that Jesus’ calm presence in the boat symbolizes His presence within the Church and our lives. Despite the chaos and storms we face, Jesus brings peace. Bishop Barron encourages us to trust in Jesus, even in the midst of our worst struggles, just as the disciples did. He reminds us that Christ’s presence can calm any storm and urges us to awaken this trust within ourselves.

Reflection for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

Trusting in God’s Power

The readings for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B show us God’s power and our need to trust Him. In the first reading, God reminds Job of His control over the sea. He set boundaries for the waters and commands the waves.

This shows God’s authority over creation. Even the mighty sea, which can be so powerful and frightening, obeys God’s commands. We can trust that God is in control of everything in our lives too.

In the Gospel, we see Jesus calming the storm. The disciples are afraid, but Jesus shows His power over the wind and sea. He asks them why they are afraid and questions their faith.

Finding Peace in Christ

When we face storms in our own lives, we can remember Jesus’ power. Just as He calmed the sea for the disciples, He can bring peace to our troubled hearts. We only need to trust Him and have faith.

Paul’s letter to the Corinthians tells us that Christ’s love changes us. We no longer live for ourselves, but for Him. In Christ, we become new creations, leaving our old ways behind.

This new life in Christ is full of hope and promise. When we trust in His love, we can face any storm with courage. We know that He is with us, guiding and protecting us.

Living as New Creations

Being a new creation in Christ means living differently. It means turning away from sin and selfishness. It means loving others as Christ loves us.

On the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B, we are reminded to trust in God’s power and live for Christ. This is a call to deeper faith and a stronger commitment to following Jesus.

The disciples’ fear during the storm teaches us about our own fears. We often feel overwhelmed by life’s challenges. But Jesus shows us that He is greater than any storm.

Turning to God in Prayer

When we feel afraid or lost, we can turn to God in prayer. Just as the disciples cried out to Jesus, we can cry out to Him too. He hears us and will help us.

Jesus is always with us, even in the stormiest moments. He is our peace and our strength. By trusting in Him, we find the courage to face any challenge.

Prayer

Lord, help us to trust in Your power and love. When we face life’s storms, remind us that You are with us. Calm our fears and give us peace. Help us to live as new creations in Christ, showing Your love to others. Amen.

Reflection Questions for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

  • How do the readings for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B show God’s power?
  • What can we learn from the disciples’ fear during the storm?
  • How does Christ’s love change the way we live?
  • When have you felt God’s presence during a difficult time?
  • How can you trust God more in your daily life?
  • In what ways can you live as a new creation in Christ?
  • What storms in your life do you need to bring to Jesus?
  • How does remembering God’s control over creation give you peace?
  • How can you show Christ’s love to others in your community?
  • What steps can you take to deepen your faith and trust in God?

Social Media Graphics and Bulletin Artwork for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

If you would like an image to be made available as a specific product (card, poster, mug, etc.) or as an extra high resolution image for personal use just post a comment about what you want and we will create a link to our online store for you.

Calm in the Midst

This artwork for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B reflects the moment when Jesus faced the raging sea with steady trust. It reminds us that faith brings calm even in life’s storms.

Download this image for your bulletin, newsletter, or youth ministry materials to help others reflect on God’s power and peace found in Mark’s Gospel and Job’s message of trust.

Paid subscribers may download a large copy this digital artwork without watermarks, suitable for use in bulletins, social media, newsletters, etc., free of charge by clicking here. You must be logged in as a paid subscriber to access the file.

Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.

Peace, Be Still

Bring calm to your heart and home with this stunning image of Jesus in the storm. Available as a poster, card, canvas print, or home décor item. You can also purchase it as a digital download. Explore all the formats and share this message of peace with others.

Click on the image for more information on how to get the full sized artwork.

Paid subscribers may download a large copy this digital artwork without watermarks, suitable for use in bulletins, social media, newsletters, etc., free of charge by clicking here. You must be logged in as a paid subscriber to access the file.

Only current paid subscribers have the rights to use the artwork.

Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?
Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified? Do you not yet have faith?”
How often we leave the Lord in a corner, at the bottom of the boat of life, to wake Him only in a moment of need! Let us ask for the grace of a faith that never tires of seeking the Lord, of knocking at the door of his heart. - Pope Francis
How often we leave the Lord in a corner, at the bottom of the boat of life, to wake Him only in a moment of need! Let us ask for the grace of a faith that never tires of seeking the Lord, of knocking at the door of his heart – Pope Francis

Music Suggestions for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

These music selections for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B focus on themes of trust, faith, and God’s power over creation. They include hymns and contemporary songs that emphasize God’s presence in times of fear and uncertainty. The music reminds us of Jesus calming the storm and encourages us to rely on His strength and guidance. These songs are a mix of soothing, reflective pieces and powerful, uplifting tunes that help the congregation feel God’s peace and assurance during life’s storms.

These selections align with the themes of trust and faith from the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B. These songs can help the congregation connect with the message of God’s presence in our lives. Feel free to share your own additional music suggestions in the comments to inspire others.

Questions and Answers for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B

What is the main message of the first reading (Job 38:1, 8-11)?

The main message is that God is in control of creation. He set boundaries for the sea and commands the waves. This shows His power and authority.

How does the first reading apply to our lives?

It reminds us to trust in God’s control over our lives. Just as He controls the sea, He can handle our problems.

What happens in the Gospel reading (Mark 4:35-41)?

Jesus calms a storm while in a boat with His disciples. They are afraid, but Jesus shows His power over the wind and sea.

Why did Jesus ask, “Do you not yet have faith?”

Jesus asked this to challenge the disciples’ fear and lack of trust. He wanted them to have more faith in His power and presence.

How can we apply the Gospel reading to our lives?

We should trust Jesus during our own life’s storms. Remembering that He has the power to calm any storm can give us peace.

What does the second reading (2 Corinthians 5:14-17) teach us?

It teaches us that Christ’s love changes us. We are new creations in Christ, and we should live for Him, not for ourselves.

How can we live as new creations in Christ?

By turning away from sin and living for Jesus. We should love others and follow His teachings.

What do the readings for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B say about fear?

They show that fear comes from a lack of faith. Trusting in God and His power can help us overcome fear.

How does the Psalm for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B relate to the Gospel?

The Psalm talks about sailors caught in a storm who call out to God for help. This is similar to the disciples calling out to Jesus during the storm.

What is the key takeaway from the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B?

The key takeaway is to trust in God’s power and presence. Whether it’s controlling the sea or calming life’s storms, God is always with us.

Trusting God in the Storm

The 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B reminds us that God is in control, even when life feels chaotic. The first reading shows how God set limits for the sea, proving His power over creation. The Gospel tells of Jesus calming a storm, showing that He has authority over nature. The disciples are amazed, but Jesus questions why they were afraid instead of trusting in Him.

The second reading explains that when we follow Christ, we become a new creation. We are called to live not for ourselves but for Him. This connects with the Gospel because true faith means trusting in Jesus even in life’s storms. Fear should not control us when we believe in His love and power.

The 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B challenges us to trust God more. When we face struggles, we can remember that He is always in control. Just as Jesus calmed the storm, He brings peace to our hearts when we rely on Him.

Your Turn

The readings for the 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year B invite us to reflect on our faith. Do we trust God when life feels overwhelming? Do we believe He is in control even when things do not go as planned? These passages remind us to rely on Him, knowing He is always with us.

Take time to think about how these messages relate to your own life. Have you ever felt like the disciples, afraid in the storm? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments. Your reflection might encourage someone else in their faith journey.

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