"Prayer is a mighty weapon if made with suitable mind. And that you may learn its strength, continued entreaty has overcome shamelessness, and injustice, and savage cruelty, and overbearing rashness. It has overcome sloth also, and what friendship did not effect, this continued entreaty did...it is a mighty weapon if it be offered with earnestness, without vain glory and with a sincere mind. It has turned back wars, it has benefited entire nations though undeserving. It is itself a saving medicine and has power to prevent sins, and to heal misdeeds. If we pray with humility, we shall obtain all."
Today, the Ninth Sunday after Pentecost: Matthew 14:22-34. Our Lord walks on the sea and invites Peter to come to Him. Peter's faith fails as he walks on the water. Our Lord Jesus calms the storm.
The miracle of Jesus' walking on the sea is perhaps the best known of all. It is reported not only in Matthew but also in John 6 and Mark 6 soon after the feeding of the five thousand. We see Jesus commanding His disciples to board a boat and row across the sea, while He remains behind to send the multitude away. Then He goes up alone to a hill to pray.
Meanwhile, because of a contrary wind, the ship in the midst of the sea is tossed about by the waves and the disciples are afraid. "And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear. But straightaway Jesus spake unto them, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid. And Peter answered Him and said, Lord, if it be Thou, bid me to come to Thee on the water. And He said, Come. And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?
And when they were come into the ship, the wind ceased. Then they that were in the ship came and worshipped Him, saying, Of a truth Thou art the Son of God (Matthew 14:25-33).
Jesus' demonstration of His power over creation -- His walking on the water, His saving Peter, and His causing the wind to cease -- leads the disciples to recognize and confess His divinity.
WE are in the process of putting together our church school team for 2008-2009, called," Where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them," Matthew 18:20. The job of this team is to prepare the curriculum, especially designed for the spiritual needs of our children.
At this point, Amy Bastock and Father Vladimir (Arts and Crafts) are asking for your help and input. To join our team, see Amy Bastock. Religious school starts Sunday, September 7th following the Divine Liturgy.
"And the servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men apt to teach patience."
2 Timothy 2:24
There was an old gentleman who was remarkable for his gentleness. There was a young man who was known for his temper. The old man was asked how he managed to overcome his temper. His answer was short but a wise one.; by paying to God and speaking low. When persons are angry they raise their voices and speak loudly. To ovcercome anger amd learn the lesson of gentleness, we must "pray to God and speak low."
Father Peter Gillquist is an Archpriest in the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America and chairman of the Department of Missions and Evangelismfor the Archdiocese. He is publisher of Again Magazine. Father Peter was educated at the University of Minnesota, Dallas Theological Seminary, and Wheaton College Graduate School. In the 1960's, he was regional director of Campus Crusade for Christ, and later senior editor at Thomas Nelson Publishers. He has authored numerous books including Love is Now and The Physical Side of Being Spiritual (Zondervan), and Designed for Holiness (Servant). Most recently he edited Coming Home (Conciliar Press).
Father addressed the World Council of Churches in Ethiopia, spoke to tens of thousands of people on an evangelical tour of Romania, and led over 2,000 evangelical Christians to the Orthodox Faith!