Adverse Waters - July 28
Today’s Readings: AM Psalm 72; PM Psalm 119:73-96; 2 Samuel 3:22-39; Acts 16:16-24; Mark 6:47-56
These past few weeks have filled me with joy and gratitude. As I stood before our congregation making announcements this past week, I said something to the tune of “never taking this opportunity to gather in person for granted again.” Even with meeting in person, we have maintained a steady online presence. While we are more spread out due to keeping four different services each Sunday, our in-person attendance (not including online) almost reached our pre-pandemic summer numbers last Sunday and far exceeded it when including online. There are new faces, new ministries, and an excitement for how to engage with each other which has been palpable.
For those reasons, I think subconsciously I have been refusing to acknowledge the public health crisis that is brewing as the number of COVID hospitalizations and deaths begins to spike again. I optimistically wanted to believe we were on the tail end of the pandemic. Maybe we still are much closer to the end, but I am worried that the waters will be rough for many this fall.
I also had three pastoral conversations yesterday centered around grief. I am also grateful for these conversations, sacred moments that I treasure more than any meeting or decision that has to be made. Pandemic or not, people’s lives can reflect the stormy seas where our boats are rocked, and we become much more in tune with uncertainty and survival. And I am grateful that many in our community will reach out to the church when this happens.
Today’s Gospel has disciples in their own storm, straining their oars against an adverse wind. That could be its own metaphor for our common life together. It seems odd that when they see Jesus, they don’t recognize him. The disciples actually think they see a ghost and instead of being comforted, are terrified. More of the story takes place before the disciples are at peace. The wind ceases and yet I wonder why Mark tells us their hearts were hardened. Had they yet to recognize God in the storm?
Storms come and go. For many of us, this pandemic might be the most challenging storm we ever face. For others it is the loss of a loved one, the challenges of depression and mental illness and raising a family, or the loss of identity and focus. Life is full of storms.
But the storms will cease. And hopefully more often than not, the water will be calm. One of the profound gifts of our faith is the knowledge that it is God who not only calms the storm, but is there with us in the midst of it. We, like the disciples, struggle sometimes to see God at work around us. It’s why we need the reminder in Mark’s Gospel today. May it open our eyes to recognize God when we struggle the most. No matter what we are to face in the coming months, I rest better with the reminder that God is with us no matter what.
Faithfully,
John+
Questions for Self-Reflection: Where are you in this cycle of storm and calm waters? When have you struggled to see God in your midst? Did something change your perspective? How? Why?
Daily Challenge: Find a quiet space and spend three minutes breathing deeply. If you need a prayer, say “Lord Jesus Christ” as you breath in, and “Have, mercy on me.” as you breath out. Think of this as a tool remember God in the storms of life.