Staying in the Boat

ONLINE REFLECTION, ST. PAUL’S, FOLEY – PROPER 14, YEAR A

AUGUST 9, 2020

TEXT:               Matthew 14:22-33

Collect for the Day – Proper 14

I have been in a storm on the Sea of Galilee.

The sky was clear; there was no inclement weather.  What is known as the Ein Gev winds come swirling from the west, where mountains are 2,000 feet higher than the sea valley, which is part of the Syro-African Rift.  The Sea of Galilee is, essentially, a big bowl – and it is subject to the winds which emanate from the cool air in the mountains meeting the warmer air of the lake.

Jesus and his disciples encountered that dynamic in the gospel passage today.

I was leading a group of fellow pilgrims on a trip to Israel and Jordan on this occasion.  On each trip, I’ve made arrangements for us to celebrate the Eucharist on the Sea.

On this day, the sea, wind and sky did not cooperate.  As we stood at our makeshift altar, the vessel tossed to and fro’.  We could hardly stand on our feet.  We had to brace ourselves in order to remain in-place.

But we were not in fear of our lives.  We knew that our captain would bring us safely to shore.

The disciples had several disadvantages.  They were in a small, fragile boat.  The storm was strong and the sea was heaving heavily.  It was night on the water.  And, at the point, they were by themselves.  They had no captain.

The story reminded me of something. In 2003, I was preparing to attend a General Convention of the Episcopal Church.  I knew that there would be controversy, and some difficult votes awaited me.

I was the supply priest at Trinity Church, Yazoo City, on the day before our departure.  The gospel lesson for that day was the storm on the sea.

My point in that sermon – the one I tried to drive home – was that it is important to “stay with the boat.”  We may be afraid.  We may have anxiety.  But, we are to be patient.  Stay with the boat.

As Episcopalians, we are wise to “stay with the boat”, and not be distracted by tempests which come and go.

Instead – in whatever life throws at us – we are to be like the disciples.  Though we are fearful, we stay with the boat.  And we look with discerning eyes for the Master of Creation.

He has a tendency to come out of the storm… out of the clouds… out of the wind… out of the darkness and say, “Take heart, it is I. Do not be afraid.”