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REFLECTION

Passengers at sea is the theme for today’s reflection. A passenger is a traveller on a public or private conveyance other than the driver, pilot, or crew. Paul was arrested by Jewish authorities and brought before King Aggripa for trial for preaching the Gospel. He later petitioned Caesar to hear his case in Rome since he was also a Roman citizen. Paul had to be transported as a prisoner to Rome hence his being a passenger at sea. The journey was not smooth because Paul recounted that “We sailed slowly for a number of days and arrived with difficulty off Cnidus, and as the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the lee of Crete off Salmone. Coasting along it with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near which was the city of Lasea. Since much time had passed, and the voyage was now dangerous because even the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, saying, “Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will be with injury and much loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” But the centurion paid more attention to the pilot and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul said.” (Act 27:8-11). In other words, the voyage a was dangerous one because of the resistance caused by the wind.

Dear friend in the Lord, serving God is not always a smooth sailing or rosy affair. Our faithfulness to the mission and ministry of God can sometimes land us on the turbulent sea of life where our very lives will be in danger. Paul was a human being like us, he was also afraid and was concerned about his own safety and that of other passengers amidst the turbulence on the sea yet the centurion would not listen to his advice but paid more attention to the pilot and owner of the ship, who obviously were determined to reach their destination to deliver their goods, get paid and set off for the next business trip. The key lesson of today’s reflection is that, in serving the Lord, we must be prepared for any situation including being passengers on a perilous journey on account of our faith in our Lord Jeus Christ. In every situation we find ourselves we must remember that our lives are in the hand of God and not in the hands of human benefactors, experts or professionals. In God, we trust. Shalom.

PRAYER

Merciful Lord, be our protector and comforter even as we navigate the turbulent sea of life as passengers on Your mission. Amen.