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Wednesday after Epiphany
St. Luke’s Institute
January 9, 2013
THE STORMS OF
LIFE ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø “But when they saw [Jesus] walking on the sea, they thought it
was a ghost and cried out”
Ø Sometimes when we face a difficult situation in which we
might be able to make a difference, something scares us off
Ø The word of consolation for us today is kept to ourselves
because we fear saying something that will only make matters worse
Ø The perception that we might be ridiculed or criticized
keeps us from stepping forward to take action to correct a wrong
Ø Our own feelings of inadequacies or unworthiness keep us
from offering help or comfort
GHOSTS IN THE
STORM ++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø It's as if we see “ghosts” that make us cower and run
Ø I would like to suggest that that feeling
o Compelling us to act
o Wanting to reach out
o That we can make a difference is real
Ø And its source is no ghost; it is Christ
Ø In the midst of the storms that batter our boats,
Ø In the fears that we will sink in the turbulence breaking
against us,
Ø It is Christ assuring us that we can make it through,
Ø That we can steer our crafts safely through the storm
Ø That we can make it home in one piece
JESUS IN THE
STORM ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø Do not be afraid of the ghosts that scare us off, Jesus
says
Ø
Look
beyond the darkness and focus on the light
Ø
Speak
that word of comfort,
Ø
Take
that stand for what is right,
Ø
Offer
your hand to someone in need
Ø And know that I am with you
PRAYER +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Ø Be with us, Lord Jesus, as we struggle to row our boats
across life's stormy seas and bring our crafts to safety. Open our terrified
eyes to realize that light of your presence in our midst. By your grace, may we
not hesitate to bring healing and hope to our homes and communities by our
humblest efforts to imitate your Gospel of service and compassion
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
