One of the themes from last Sunday’s Gospel was the compassion of Our Lord.
This carries on this week. Jesus stays behind to make sure all these people get on their way safely. He is then able to do what he really wanted to in the first place - be alone with God and pray. But once again other people disturb his prayers. This time it is the disciples getting into difficulties in a storm on the lake that draw his attention. He breaks off his prayers and goes to save his friends. You can imagine their surprise to see him approaching them on the water. Some even think it must be a spirit they are seeing. Once again, we hear Jesus’ oft-repeated phrase: “Do not be afraid.” How we have needed to hear his voice say these words over the past months and how we may well need to hear them again and again over the coming months. In times of stress and danger we need his calm voice to reassure us. Peter now pipes up, asking to come to him on the water. Impetuous as ever, he then leaps out of the boat and starts to walk on the water, until his nerve fails and he starts to sink. Jesus saves him from the waves, and they both get into the boat. It is further proof for the Twelve that Jesus is the Son of God. However we understand the story, it is Jesus' compassion and understanding that we take away from it. He chides Peter, yes, but only for lack of faith. What could we all not do if only we were able to throw off our fears and trust him?! Gracious Father, revive your Church in our day, and make her holy, strong and faithful, for your glory's sake in Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen We are once more in St John's in Sutton, socially distanced, and you will now see we are commanded to wear face masks! I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
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AuthorCanon John Green Archives
May 2021
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