Chaplain's Message

Be Bold. Be Ready.

My Dear Sisters in Christ Jesus, the peace and love of the King of kings and the Lord of lords be always with you.

One of my favorite scripture passages is the story of the walking on the water found in Matthew, Mark and Johns’ gospels. Jesus, as He often did, went off by Himself to pray. The apostles went across the Sea of Galilee in a boat. In the early morning Jesus finished His praying and walked across the Sea of Galilee to get to the other side. The disciples were terrified when they saw Jesus walking near the boat. In a bold move, Peter asked Jesus if he could walk on the water also. Jesus told him to come, and Peter started walking on the water. When Peter noticed the strong wind he began to fear and started to sink. And as is always the case, Jesus is right there to save him. He draws him into the boat and the storm ceases.

When we try to serve God we sometimes experience strong winds against us. There is a certain boldness in Peter’s actions. When God is asking us to do something, we need the boldness to “just do it.” We do it even if it does not make any sense. The Holy Spirit often moves us in ways that do not appear to be logical. They do not seem to be logical, but, in reality, they are part of a grand plan working in our lives to bear some kind of good fruit for other people or ourselves.

People are hungry, hungry for Almighty God, hungry just to know Someone is always there. They are hungry for human companionship. Their deepest hunger is for divine companionship, although many do not know this. Let us remember that we are ambassadors for Christ (2 Cor 5:20). By your baptism, you are an adopted daughter of God. I am an adopted son of God. Let us do spiritual and corporal works of mercy. The world needs us to be other Christs. Recognize the voice of one near you who is crying out for the love of God. Who is it?

And remember, God is your power. When you try to do good deeds remember, “The one who calls you is faithful, and he will also accomplish it.” (1 Thes 5:24) Let us be bold in helping others. Let us be listening enough to God so that when the Holy Spirit wants us to do something, we boldly try to do it, even if we are somewhat afraid.

Be Ready. Be Bold.

Deacon Mark Clancy