Acts, Chapter 27,
verse 17
They hoisted it
aboard, then used cables to undergird the ship. Because of their fear
that they would run aground on the shoal of Syrtis, they lowered the drift
anchor and were carried along in this way.
Seamen
of Paul’s time often to save a ship in heavy seas would pass a cable several
times under and around a ship and tightening it on deck, to prevent the working
and parting of the timbers and planks in a gale. Additionally to prevent the
ship from getting stuck in the quicksand of the shoal of Syrtis
the seamen lowered the drift
anchor.
The
church is our boat using a metaphor and with the current world situation with
the persecution of Christians, not only in the Middle East, but throughout the
world; to which could be added the storms given the church by secularists and
atheists; our church is definitely being assaulted by an evil
Northeasterner. We need to pass the
cables around our church and put out the drift anchor to keep from being lost.
The
cables that bind our church are the seven sacraments. We need to use them all.
If single, consider Holy Orders; if parents encourage your children in seeking
vocations; get married, if you are living with another, and be open to
children; go to confession and mass; baptize your children and be confirmed by
the priests; seek healing of your body and soul when seriously ill.
Let
your prayers be your drift anchor.
Only one thing is important -- eternal
salvation. Only one thing, therefore, is to be feared--sin? Sin is the
result of ignorance, weakness, and indifference The Holy Spirit is the Spirit
of Light, of Strength, and of Love. With His sevenfold gifts He enlightens the
mind, strengthens the will, and inflames the heart with love of God. To ensure
our salvation we ought to invoke the Divine Spirit daily, for "The Spirit
helpeth our infirmity. We know not what we should pray for as we ought. But the
Spirit Himself asketh for us."[1]
Full Buck Moon
According to the almanac
today we are having a Full Buck Moon; plan to spend some time if you are not a
hunter out hiking with your children or grandchildren.
Comments
Post a Comment