Rough Sailing

   “In her voyage across the ocean of this world, the Church is like a great ship being pounded by the waves of life’s different stresses.  Our duty is not to abandon ship but to keep her on her course.” (St. Boniface)

   Anyone who has sailed through a storm at sea knows it can be a frightening and dangerous experience.  The safety of the ship and those aboard depends on the dedication and abilities of the crew to see her through the rough waters.

   The Church has often sailed through storms, some very dangerous and difficult.  We see things occurring in society and even within the Church that are not as they should be.  At times it seems the ship will not weather the storm; that the Church may not be able to rise above the stresses thrown at her.

   In times of trial and scandal what can we, as Christians, do?  We can stay the course.  We can keep the faith.  Most of all we can pray that God will continue to protect and preserve the Church He founded.  If we ever begin to doubt His fidelity to His followers we contribute to the harm done by those who stand against Christ, Christianity and anything that involves God.

   There always have been and will continue to be those who would destroy Christianity, the Church and all associated with God.  As Christians our duty is to fight the good fight, weather the storm and right the ship when she is in dangerous waters.

Lord, watch over Your Church and all Christians.

Strengthen our faith and trust in You.

Give us confidence in Your love and protection.

Be with the ones who sail this ship we call Church.

Amen

“and behold, I am with you always, to the close of the age.”  (Matt 28: 20)