Take Heart

When evening came, the boat was out on the lake, and he was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the lake. He intended to pass them by. But when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the market-places, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. Mark 6:47-56

I was not able to write my blog yesterday, as I got up early to join a pilgrimage to the Pocasset Wampanoag lands with several tribal leaders. More than eighty people from more than twenty parishes traveled together. We heard about the terrible times the tribe has paces, the rough seas and the winds of change. And standing with them yesterday, I also felt great hope and saw tremendous perseverance. I learned again from them that rough seas and strong winds face all of us at different times. Yet in the midst of our worst times, when our strength is giving out, Jesus comes walking on the water to bring us peace and calm. 

Gracious Creator, you are in the storms

you are with us when the winds rise

when the seas are stirred up and pounding

and when we feel our strength is giving out.

We often fail to see you when frightened

we think we are perishing in the storm

we have put our trust in ourselves alone

yet you are always coming towards us all.

Jesus, help us to trust that you are always near

help us to see your face in our great storms

help us to hear your voice above the winds

and restore our strength so we can love in your name. Amen.