Faith offers a safe port in a stormy world

During the hot and humid days of summer people are naturally attracted to water. A popular summer pastime is boating. Vigilance on the water is important and the first safety rule is to check the weather conditions before setting out.

In the Gospel of Matthew we find an account that shows just how dangerous it is when a small boat is caught in a sudden storm.

The disciples are in a boat on the Sea of Galilee. They are far from land and battling a strong wind and high waves. Jesus, who is on the shore, realizes that they need assistance and walks to them in the midst of the the stormy sea. Unfortunately, seeing Jesus brings the disciples grief rather than comfort, “But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, ‘it is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear.” (Mt.14:26) Jesus responds, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.” (Mt.14:27)

We are told that Peter asks Jesus if he can walk to him on the water. “Jesus said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me’! Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased.” (Mt.14:29-31)

I am sure that I am not the only one who believes that things are getting stormier these days. I am not simply speaking about the weather; however, we have seen some significant changes in our climate. The storms that I am speaking of are found in life. From a political, economic and human perspective, there seems to be a lot more turmoil in our world.

As a result, there are times when we can feel adrift in a sea of uncertainty. Sometimes that sea is rough and the strong waves can cause our vessel to take on water. The fear is that the boat is going to sink. When this happens we need to focus on finding a safe harbour.

It was only when Peter took his eyes off the Lord that he began to sink. He was filled with fear because he focused on the storm.

Is this not what we do when we only look at our problems? We can feel overwhelmed because we do not see a way forward. Jesus can help us because he is our ‘port in the storm.’ He will save us because he loves us.

There is an undeniable truth that is foundational to our Christian faith — Jesus loves us unconditionally. Divine love does not try to control or manipulate because our personal freedom is respected. Jesus will not force his will upon us. It was not until Peter cried out, “Lord save me,” that Jesus reached out his hand and pulled him to safety. He will do the same for us if we ask him.

One of the earliest Christian symbols for the Church was a boat. We have an example of this in the writings of St. Hippolytus (170-236 AD). He said that the world is a sea in which the church, like a ship, is beaten by the waves, but not submerged.

Jesus uses his church to help Christians journey safely from this world to the next. So when we are hit with the storms of life do not give up. Call out to the

Lord who will save us!