Storms

A MESSAGE FROM FATHER GEHLSEN

Have you ever been in a storm?  It can be scary, especially if it blows up fast and you're outside in a vulnerable place.  We tell our kids to avoid getting caught outside in a storm, but it can happen to any of us.
 
Some storms don't come with lightning and thunder.  We can also encounter scary weather in our lives.  Bad things in our work, our family, our friendships, or our parish may blow up suddenly and leave us wondering what comes next.  We may feel vulnerable and unsafe in the middle of the storm, especially when we realize our own strength is no match for the threat we are facing.  The storm is beyond our control, and we don't know what to do. 
 
We have listened a lot this summer to Jesus and the disciples in the midst of storms and inclement weather.  Each story has a take in a different direction; however there is a common thread that runs through the gospels. Jesus always pointed the disciples away from fear to faith, and he does the same for us when we face the storms that have blown up in our own lives.  We're not alone in the face of any threat.  If the threats we face seem more powerful than any resistance we can offer, we can still trust in the power of our Lord, who is with us and available.
 
Instead of living in fear, we can live in faith.  The storm will pass.  The help we need is here, and we may find it more readily as we stop wringing our hands in desperation.  If we can be still and listen, we'll hear more than the storm.  We may even find that the biggest storm was always inside us, and that our fear was the biggest obstacle and threat.  If we listen, we'll hear our Lord, who is with us.  He speaks to us, "Peace! Be still!" 
 
Enjoy the Summer!!
Fr. Tom

Open to Receiving Help

Pentecost 4, Proper 8
When Jesus came to the house where the young girl died, he denied her death and the people laughed at him. Sometimes it can be that way for us, too. Even in the face of the help that we need - when the offer is placed squarely before us - we laugh and turn away in scorn instead of welcoming the relief that is available.

Jesus asks the people, "Why do you make a commotion?" That question could just as easily be posed to any of us. Instead of being still to receive, and listening to learn, we make a commotion. We fill the situation with our own static and turmoil because we cannot imagine how any solution beyond our abilities is possible. How could anything happen that we haven't controlled, and understood?

Sometimes the commotion is just a cover-up for our anxiety. Anxiety can mean wringing our hands over things that cannot be changed, or worrying about things that haven't happened and may never happen. Anxiety can mean getting lost in the negative possibilities and worst-case scenarios. Anxiety can waste a lot of energy and time. It's not good for our spirit or our body. And it can be a great distraction from the work of ministry!

Fr. Gehlsen

A Little Thing

Little things can really be big things! A small stream can eventually wear away a might rock. A small favor can sometimes reconcile an enemy, or make a friend. A small encouragement can brighten another person's day, or make a daunting task seem much less difficult. A small detail can sometimes be the difference that makes an outstanding performance. A simple expensive gift in significance. A life-changing event can happen in a moment.

Nothing is small or insignificant when it come to faith. Jesus likens the kingdom of God to a small mustard seed. The seed may seem insignificant, but it can grow into the greatest of shrubs. The significance of the seed is not in its initial identity, but in its magnificent potential. If we see only the seed, and ignore what it can become, we seriously misunderstand. It can become much more than a small, individual seed.

Our imperfect love is the seed of faith. God perfects our imperfection, and will draw the seed of our faith into the fullness of glory.

Father Tom Gehlsen