The Woman At The Well

In the Hour of Trouble

Sometimes a gospel becomes alive; one recognizes himself and Jesus in the story.  The gospel of Jesus and Peter walking on the turbulent water of the Sea of Galilee struck us as we maneuvered into the marina at Sturgeon Bay.   As we came into the marina between dock A and B a sudden gust hit us.    Our boat has a twenty foot high fly bridge which was enclosed with zippered canvas and clear acrylic to protect the captain.  Downstairs on the deck I stood ready to hand over lines to someone on land.   With a sudden gust of 40 mph, the fly bridge became a sail blowing our boat toward other boats docked in the marina. 

“Jesus, help us,” we prayed; the boat is out of control; by ourselves we can do nothing.
 

The dock master who had been guiding our boat by radio alerted the staff and owners to help.  As we came near one boat, he literally stretched out his long legs and arms to jump aboard our boat. We had to trust he would be able to come aboard- to “really take hold of His hand in the midst of an uncertain gulf.”(Pope Benedict)  If we only look to ourselves we become dependent on the winds and can no longer pass through the storms of life.

Rushing up to the fly bridge he was able to unzip the canvas, so the captain could steer clear of the boats.

Jesus’ hands and feet are in the people of our lives- a spouse, parent, teacher, doctor and nurse, business associate, a dock master.  They do not appear as super heroes, with capes and super powers, but with q a quiet manner, kind words, quick actions, they perform the works of Christ.  Come to me, He says and I will make you fishers of men.

How Peter and us can put our trust in Jesus:

Jesus prayed to God, His Father before undergoing His forthcoming Passion; we should pray before any known suffering to come.

Relying on God’s grace is something we must learn.

Jesus is never distant from those He loves, even when we become distant from Him.

Lack of faith leads to worry, worry leads to doubt, doubt leads to fear.

Jesus is the answer to all our fears, fears of the unknown, worldly fears.

We can accomplish great things with God’s power and love.

When we sail with Christ, have Him in our boat, our final destination will be assured.