Small Boat by the Water

That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the lake. Such great crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat there, while the whole crowd stood on the beach. And he told them many things in parables, saying: ‘Listen! A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seeds fell on the path, and the birds came and ate them up. Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and they sprang up quickly, since they had no depth of soil. But when the sun rose, they were scorched; and since they had no root, they withered away. Other seeds fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Let anyone with ears listen!’ Matthew 13::1-9

We are on vacation, staying in the vicarage of St. Barnabas. Daily we have been going to the beach in Cape May Point, so familiar and beautiful, yet these days packed with tourists. So many are so busy just trying to vacation. It is hard to get people's attention in all of it. The lifeguards whistle at people for their own protection and most people take forever to respond. Yet, there was where Jesus was teaching, where the people are, people desperate for good news and for healing. His words drew pictures for the people, who understood too well the dangers of crop failure. Many understood he was talking about their hearts and not the surface frustrations and distractions. May our hearts today be focused on seeing the big picture of God's love for us which seeks us out in all times and in all places.

Wondrous God, draw near to us here

in the midst of our crowded hearts and minds

tell us stories and draw us pictures of love

for we so need your presence here with us.

We are busy and fretful, scared and frustrated

forgetting how you hold us in your loving hands

we think we are on our own and abandoned

yet you have promised to be with us always.

Help us to be those who hear your words

let us be those whose lives are sign of your love

may our faith take on very deep roots today

trusting that you are with us as we serve others. Amen.