Wellesley Ecumenical Worship Services Begin

THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL: MATTHEW 14: 22-33 (MESSAGE)

As soon as the meal was finished, he insisted that the disciples get in the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he dismissed the people. With the crowd dispersed, he climbed the mountain so he could be by himself and pray. He stayed there alone, late into the night.

Meanwhile, the boat was far out to sea when the wind came up against them and they were battered by the waves. At about four o'clock in the morning, Jesus came toward them walking on the water. They were scared out of their wits. "A ghost!" they said, crying out in terror. But Jesus was quick to comfort them. "Courage, it's me. Don't be afraid." Peter, suddenly bold, said, "Master, if it's really you, call me to come to you on the water." He said, "Come ahead." Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, "Master, save me!" Jesus didn't hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, "Faint-heart, what got into you?" The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, "This is it! You are God's Son for sure!"

When life tosses me about like waves hitting the disciples’ boat, I think of this story and wonder if I would have had the courage to step out of the boat. If, in some moment of stubborn courage, I, like Peter, climbed out of the boat, I am certain I too would have looked down and sunk. For some reason, I connect with the truly human impulses of this story. Wanting to be courageous, wanting to believe, testing the waters and finding myself in need of help and saving.

Have you ever felt that way? Have you ever been right in the middle of something only to realize that you need others, you need community, you need help? Whether it is smooth sailing or the storms of life are beating you down, we all need to know that we are connected, that we are not alone. Thank God, God never leaves us alone in the good times and in the bad. Thank God, even when we are faithless (or scared), God is faithful and present.

With a unique and wonderful commitment to worship together in the summer, this Sunday we will remember just how connected we are as the Protestant Churches in town gather during the month of August and practice Jesus’ kind of hospitality. This Sunday, August 7, our worship will be held at Christ Church with the Rev. Jim Brommers Bergquist from the Wellesley Hills Congregational Church preaching and Bruce Baker-Rooks will lead us in music. The service begins at 10:00a.m. Hope to see you in Church!