Eyes on Jesus, Open Heart, Unafraid

June 9, 2006 -- Week of Proper 4 (Columba of Iona)

For Today's Prayer in the Octave of Prayer for General Convention
go to our Home Page www.stpaulsfay.org and click the link at the top of the page.

NOTE: Beginning Monday my "Morning Reflections" will be replaced by reports from the General Convention of the Episcopal Church.

"Morning Reflections" is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117

An online resource for praying the Daily Office is found at www.missionstclare.com
Another form of the office from Phyllis Tickle's "Divine Hours" is available on our partner web site www.ExploreFaith.org at this link -- http://explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/index.html



Today's Readings for the Daily Office (p. 969)
Psalms 40, 54 (morning) // 51 (afternoon)
Ecclesiastes 5:1-7
Galatians 3:15-22
Matthew 14:22-36


A boat has long been a symbol for the church. It was pointed out to me as a child that the exposed beams of our church in Oxford looked like the inside of a boat, as if we were riding upside down.

As I anticipate leaving for General Convention this Sunday, the image of a boat, battered by the waves, having difficulty getting to the destination because the winds are blowing threateningly, feels like an apt image for the church. There are great waves and there is much wind. And there is much fear within the church's vessel.

Sometimes in the church, even the sight of Christ is frightening and unrecognized. Though Jesus is walking toward the disciples, they take him for a ghost and are terrified.

Always when Jesus appears, Jesus says, "Do not be afraid." That is his greeting in all of the post-resurrection appearances, "Fear not." He adds to that for his disciples in the storm, "Take heart, it is I."

The church, in the person of Peter, wants to walk on the water with Jesus. We step out in faith. When we keep our eyes and faith on Jesus, we remain safe. But it is easy to become distracted by the waves and the storm, and begin to sink. Yet, Jesus is there, within arm's reach. And Jesus has power over the storms.

The church is always safer, healthier when it keeps its eyes on Jesus, when it takes heart, and when it is not afraid. Eyes on Jesus, open heart, unafraid. That's a good spirit for entering the boat of the General Convention.

Tomorrow we will celebrate the ordination of Suzanne Stoner to the priesthood. If she's like I was, there will be some butterflies in her stomach and a bit of wavy dizziness. She'll be fine. She's one of those who habitually keeps her eyes on Jesus, open heart, unafraid.

Eyes on Jesus. Open heart. Unafraid. Let's go.

Lowell
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The Rev. Lowell Grisham
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, Arkansas