Church is a Boat, which sails towards the Kingdom

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 13th Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Mt 8:23-27*

*First Reading : Gn 19:15-29*

*Church is a Boat, which sails towards the Kingdom*

*1) The boat and its Purpose*

In today's Gospel we have a beautiful boat in which, Jesus and His disciples are traveling towards the other side 

Primarily boat is meant for crossing from one side to the other side 

It helps the people to move from one place to the another

*2) Boat is always found in the Water*

Boats are always found either in the River or in the sea 

So it goes without saying that, the boats have to face all the waves and some times violent storms

It is natural for the boat to face the waves and storms and to move further and to reach to the other side 

Accordingly, the boat which is found in the sea or river is faced with violent storm and was in danger. But Jesus was able to calm the sea and the waves

*3) The Church is a Big Boat*

Church as a big boat, is sailing towards the Kingdom of God 

As Jesus was found in the boat, in the Church also Jesus is the head of the boat, who is guiding the apostles to reach the destiny

As there was violent storm in the Sea, the Church as a boat, is facing all the time, violent storms in the form of persecutions, martyrdoms, humiliations, explications and destroying the mission of the Lord 

The Church as a boat, so far was able to face all these violent storms, and sailing towards its destiny

Nothing could sink this boat so far in the History of the Church 

*4) The presence of Jesus*

The presence of Jesus in the boat makes lot of difference

The frightened disciples call out to Jesus, and Jesus was able to help them immediately

As long as Jesus is present among them nothing becomes impossible for them. It is finally, Jesus who controlled the sea

In the boat of the Church the presence of Jesus is very much found. Eucharist, the celebration of the sacraments are the concrete ways to experience the presence of Jesus in the boat of the church 

As long as Jesus is present in the Church, no waves or storms could destroy this boat 

*5) We are in the Boat, Jesus as the head*

All of us who have taken the baptism, have entered in the boat, which is church 

Jesus is the head of this boat. So we have nothing to worry 

This boat (Church) certainly will be faced by the violent storms. But nothing will destroy, because Jesus who is the head of this boat can control everything, and even the waves and storms 

*6) My Responsibility*

I need to get into this boat and need to travel along with Jesus 

I can't get down in the middle way. Such a move will be fatal 

I need to allow myself to be taken towards the destiny which Jesus indicates. 

After entering into the boat - the Church - I need to go to the destiny, which the boat moves. I can't have diffent destiny according  to my whims and fancies. 

Am I ready to take this responsibility? 

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*