Getting Into the Boat

On the eve of Pentecost, our thoughts turn to the need of the Holy Spirit in our lives to fully live the way Jesus taught us. He lived among the disciples, teaching by word and action. So many times he told or asked them to do things which led them down paths they never imagined they would trod. He sent them out two by two to preach and heal and them come back and report to him what had happened. For fishermen and career men of other sorts this must have demanded courage and trust. One time he simply told them to "get into the boat and precede him to the other side" of the Lake. (Mt 14: 22). A strong wind came up putting the boat in peril, but Jesus came to them walking on water, asked Peter to join him, and when Peter faltered, used, this occasion to show them what faith really is.
How many times have we been asked to "get into the boat", not knowing what was ahead of us, and realizing only afterwards that Jesus was with us all the while? We learn slowly that it is not always necessary to know every detail when we are asked to do something by the Lord. It is mainly the faith and trust we develop that are important; he will take care of the rest. A simple "look back" at the events in our life, even just in the previous day, shows us how much a part of our lives God plays. Things take in more meaning in retrospect as we see that indeed the hand of God was present. What if we did know everything ahead of us as we "get into the boat"? Would we still do it? Would we grow deeper in faith and trust?
Today, as we prepare for Pentecost, let us ask the Holy Spirit for the gifts of faith and trust which we need to make a meaningful crossing in the boat. Far greater things await us than we can imagine now as we read this and step into today's boat.
Bro. Rene