On this Friday in the third week of Lent, we hear from the sixth chapter of Mark’s Gospel. Today we hear one of the most often used phrases in Sacred Scripture:
When evening came, the boat was out on the lake, and he was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the lake. He intended to pass them by. But when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the market-places, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. (Mk. 6: 47-56).
“Do not be afraid.” It is one of the most often used phrases in Scripture. Lent is a time for reassessing our relationship with God, our neighbors and even ourselves. Often times we are afraid of what the results of our reassessment may mean. Today, Jesus tells us not to be afraid. In the storms that toss the boats of our lives, Jesus is in the boat with us. He calms the storms; Jesus calms our storms. So, take heart and do not be afraid. Jesus is with you.
Let us pray: Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by thy gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
Tomorrow is the day—Big Mista & Friends are back at St. Augustine’s for the Second Annual BBQ Extravaganza.
END OF LIFE ISSUES DAY in Sutton Hall at St. Augustine’s, 24 March at 11:00 a.m. Please join us as we discuss some of the practical aspects of end of life issues.
JOINT LENTEN SERIES continues this Wednesday at St. Augustine’s starting with the Stations of the Cross at 6:00 p.m.
PLEASE REMEMBER EVERYONE ON OUR PRAYER LIST.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
When evening came, the boat was out on the lake, and he was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the lake. He intended to pass them by. But when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened.
When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the market-places, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. (Mk. 6: 47-56).
“Do not be afraid.” It is one of the most often used phrases in Scripture. Lent is a time for reassessing our relationship with God, our neighbors and even ourselves. Often times we are afraid of what the results of our reassessment may mean. Today, Jesus tells us not to be afraid. In the storms that toss the boats of our lives, Jesus is in the boat with us. He calms the storms; Jesus calms our storms. So, take heart and do not be afraid. Jesus is with you.
Let us pray: Assist us mercifully, O Lord, in these our supplications and prayers, and dispose the way of thy servants towards the attainment of everlasting salvation; that, among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they may ever be defended by thy gracious and ready help; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
Tomorrow is the day—Big Mista & Friends are back at St. Augustine’s for the Second Annual BBQ Extravaganza.
END OF LIFE ISSUES DAY in Sutton Hall at St. Augustine’s, 24 March at 11:00 a.m. Please join us as we discuss some of the practical aspects of end of life issues.
JOINT LENTEN SERIES continues this Wednesday at St. Augustine’s starting with the Stations of the Cross at 6:00 p.m.
PLEASE REMEMBER EVERYONE ON OUR PRAYER LIST.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
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