Together

Mathew 14:22-33

When [Jesus and Peter] got into the boat, the wind ceased.   –Matthew 14:32

I just spent the last four days at the first ELCA Rostered Leaders’ Gathering in Atlanta, GA.  Somewhere around 900 pastors and deacons from across the church spent our time worshipping, in bible study and presentations, workshops and fellowship. The event was truly inspiring.  The speakers were stellar, the workshops I attended were helpful, the worship powerful and the opportunity to network and listen to other ministers was a gift.  I met some new friends, rekindled relationships with some long-time companions on the journey and got to know some synod colleagues a lot better.  I am hopeful we will be able to do this again in three years’ time!

Throughout the Gathering, we heard and experienced again and again the importance of being together.  God does not and never has intended for us to be alone on life’s journey.  God intends for us to walk together, to strengthen one another and to care for one another.  Even more, God promises to be with us on that journey and to never abandon or forsake us.  As we are reminded week in and week out as we gather together for worship:  not even death can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.  (Romans 8). 

Being together in Christ is even more important when the seas around us are rough, the storm winds are blowing and the tiny boat we call life is tossing about on the waves.   In this week’s Gospel lesson, the reader usually focuses on Peter, and his getting OUT of the boat.  But, as Bishop Elizabeth Eaton reminded us in Thursday morning’s sermon at the Gathering,  maybe we need to focus more on Jesus getting INTO the boat.  It is only when Jesus gets INTO the boat that the fear subsides and the relief overflows in worship.  It is only when Jesus gets INTO the boat that the mission can continue to the far side of the lake. 

Few would doubt that we live in stormy times.  The winds and waves of change continually batter our little boats.   I frequently sense a lot of fear and anxiety in people, and in the churches that results in frayed and fragile emotions, and “fight or flight” responses that leave us separated and broken at exactly the time we need each other the most.  

We need for Christ to come walking toward us through the storms in our lives.  We need to hear again the good news that the one who conquered death lifts us up from the waves.  And he does.  We need to pray for Christ’s Holy Spirit to heal and guide us as we travel to far shores we still cannot see.  We need to pray that Christ’s Holy Spirit will bind us together on this perilous journey. 

This past week in Atlanta, I saw evidence of Christ doing just that.  And for that, I give thanks.

Peace,

Bishop Mike

Thank-you for reading.