By Kate Murphy
Paul sets sail for Rome wearing his “prison jewelry.” But as usual, he doesn’t act like much of a captive. He warns the centurion that if he doesn’t winter in the port of Fair Havens, the ship and all aboard will be lost. Not surprisingly, because the captain and owner advise otherwise, the centurion ignores Paul’s advice.
Predictably, the storm arrives. You have to delight in Paul’s humanity. Though they are in mortal danger, Paul must begin by reminding them that he was right and they were wrong not to have listened to him. Having established this important fact, he goes on to tell them that his God will spare their lives.
Still, that must have seemed cold comfort as they spend the next days battered by the storm, and as they approach land the danger increases. Without navigational instruments or light, the ship is certain to be destroyed by rocks. It is at this moment that Paul rises up, and takes bread, gives thanks to God, breaks it and gives it to them. In the middle of the storm, at the height of danger, Paul reaches out to feed his enemies even while he is still bound in chains. Paul might be a prisoner, but he is absolutely free.
Of course, we know where Paul learned this. Jesus, Paul’s true captor, reached out his hands just as the storms of hate and rage were strengthening — ready to catch and crush his body until all life was extinguished. It was at that moment Jesus stretched out his hands — not in judgment or rage, but in love, forgiveness and self-giving life.
Paul feasted at Christ’s table. Even though he was bound in chains, even though the storm raged, he was free to offer others the bread of life.
- What does freedom in Christ mean to you? Have you ever experienced peace in the midst of a storm?
- Realizing some sailors were trying to escape, Paul ordered the centurion to destroy the lifeboats. Paul knew that life lay not in escape, but in the body of Christ. Are you trying to escape anything in your life now? Are there ways the bread of life can sustain you within the storm?
- What other details did you notice in today’s reading?
Prayer: God, we pray that you will save us from the storm, but sometimes you send us into the wind so that we can feast on and share the bread of life. Free us from fear; let us trust in your sustaining love. Amen.
