A Deanery Meditation

Accentuate the positive: A short Meditation for the Eccleshall Deanery based on Matthew 14.22-end

Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’ Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So, Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’

Meditation

Think of the scene described in the Gospel reading.

Silence

Imagine what happens, as though you were one of the disciples in the boat.

What would you have felt if you'd been there?

Silence

So, what did you feel when you realised the figure on the water was Jesus?

What did you feel when Peter stepped out of the boat, on a dark and stormy night?

Silence

Dear God, as we move now from the pandemic to an endemic situation help us to get out of the boat and reach out to Jesus knowing that he will hold us up if we should faulter as he did St Peter. And in this positive mood we reflect on some of the things happening in our parishes across the deanery.

We give thanks for the signs on the kingdom in Gnosall with the use of Zoom technology and virtual services during the lock down and now a Taize service during Lent. At Eccleshall we pray for the community band and the Church members who support it. For its magazine, Trinity publishing parish events across the wider deanery. We give thanks for the signs on the kingdom in my own Benefice at Loggerheads with its website and online services. For Carols at the Carwash where nearly 300 people of all ages attended an open-air service at Christmas. And now at Muckstone we are planning a large Garden Party at the end of May to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Prayer

Almighty God, whose sovereign purpose non can make void:

Give us faith to stand calm and undismayed amid the tumults of the world, knowing that thy kingdom shall come and thy will be done; to the eternal glory of thy name, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The Collect

Almighty God, you have created the heavens and the earth and made us in your own image: teach us to discern your hand in all your works and your likeness in all your children; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit reigns supreme over all things, now and for ever. Amen.

The Revd Dr David Isiorho

Rector of the Loggerheads  Benefice