First Roman Martyrs

Our prophet friend Amos reminds us that God will be with the children of Israel and all future generations – including us – and that we are always part of God’s plan. Amos recounts the historical proof. God always has “our backs,” we are called to do justice for God, the call of Psalm 5 today.

And boy does God have our backs! The Gospel reminds us that Christ is always in the boat of life with us. The boat has been used as an image of the church, our true mother ship. We do not need saving; we are not perishing. This is so hopeful to hear in the midst of so much change and turmoil in our world. Yes, there are waves; yes, even more, there are storms and flooding in our lives, and sometimes traumas. In the world of violence, Christ never abandons us. God never sleeps! Could a mother forget her child? Do lions cry out if no one can hear them?

Rather than obeying our fears, we are called to obey our faith and heritage for a God who always walks with us and calls us to trust. Earth is filled with its roller coaster rides; this mirrors our lives. Through it all, God is close, never forgetting us, like a lion roaring to protect us so that we may reach our ultimate destination: the banquet feast of heaven.

May today’s Eucharist and every Eucharist remind us of the hope we have in God. Hope and trust are choices we must make to encourage and assist the mother ship – our church – to stay firm on the path forward. This faith, hope, and love support us when icebergs remind us of the deep challenges we face. God will be there to support. Our God never sleeps!

Prayer:

We are trusting in you, O God, to calm the stormy waters that rattle our lives. May the storms that surround us never make us waver from experiencing your ever-increasing protection. In the midst of our uncertainties and many fears, help us to remain faithful in your service, guided by your Holy Spirit, through Christ our Lord.