Taking the Plunge

From Rev Sue Ann Yarbrough

I pray this note finds you, your families, and those you serve well. 

Just a reminder that SpiritCare plans to offer services via Zoom when it becomes feasible.  When your residents and patients can gather together again, do let us know.  Yes, this is a new time for us all.  Remember, you are in our prayers and our hearts. Please do not hesitate to drop me a note or give me a call if there is a need. 
Blessings, Rev Sue Ann

Scripture: Matthew 14:27
But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, "Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."  

Meditation
​
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth
will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace. 

From the hymn, "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus," (also known as "Heavenly Vision") written by Helen Howarth Lemmel in 1922.

I woke Tuesday morning with this refrain running through my mind. I was grateful for two reasons. First of all, I love this hymn. Secondly, I went to bed the night before with the question, "What can I write about this week?" Emboldened by this hymn's words, I shall plunge into this week's meditation.

I chose the word plunge intentionally. This week's Gospel lesson comes from Matthew 14:22-33, the story of Jesus walking on water. It is also Peter's story. 

Buffeted by large waves, the disciples were terrified. Source: LUMO project

​He sees Jesus on the water, and he decides he wants to give it a go. He does pretty well until he takes his eyes off Jesus. He then starts to look around and begins to note the choppy waters, the wind, and the pre-dawn darkness. In that moment, he becomes aware that he is out of his depth, and he begins to sink.

​Jesus is right there, and as he extends a helping hand, he asks, "Why did you doubt?" We do not hear Peter's answer, but I think we know what happened. He forgot to believe that he could do such a thing. He forgot to keep his eyes on Jesus.

There is much fear and worry in our world right now, and I do not think any of us are immune to that sinking feeling that this pandemic can bring. Yet, when we risk being swamped by our worries, we can look for Jesus among us. In an answer to prayer. In the reminder to breathe and keep going. In the voice of a friend or loved one who tells us we are not alone.

I have always believed that when Jesus asked Peter about his doubt, he did so lovingly. That, to me, is the grace offered to all of us. Like Peter, let us hear the invitation to step out of our unsteady boat into the unknown. Let us know that Christ will be there, guiding us and extending a gentle, loving hand. We will never be asked to go without Christ. Never. Let us turn and see this beautiful truth for ourselves.

Prayer  
Holy One, we thank you for those people in our lives who encourage us to believe that your love is for all.  We pray for all families that they are being held in love.  We pray for all communities that they be sanctuaries of health, peace, and most of all, your love.  We thank you for the reminder to keep our eyes and hearts on Jesus.  We need not fear.   
In Christ we pray.  Amen

Rev. Sue Ann Yarbrough, Associate Pastor
San Lorenzo Community Church, United Church of Christ
SpiritCare Ministry to Seniors