The 12th Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 14A), Aug. 7, 2005
BCP: Jonah 2:1-9; Psalm 29; Rom. 9:1-5; Matt. 14:22-33
RCL: Gen. 37:1-4, 12-28 or 1 Kings 19:9-18; Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b or 85:8-13; Rom. 10:5-15; Matt. 14:22-33
“There are no atheists in foxholes” is an old saying. It is surely untrue as a statement, but it nonetheless contains a profoundly true observation. There are many people whose objection not only to belief in God but also to his demands is mostly cerebral fluff, and there are those whose commitment to God may look impressive but, when put to the test, proves to be a house built on foam. When a great need or crisis arises in the lives of either of these persons, those whose objections are based on specious arguments as well as whose commitment has no sticking power may suddenly find a primal and desperate need for God. Today’s readings present us with two such circumstances.
Jonah is well known as the wayward prophet who, even when compelled to deliver his message to the people of Nineveh, is angered that they heed it. His understanding of God and his will is severely lacking, though without a doubt he has faith and the gift of prophecy. Even though he can say to God, “I knew you were a tender, compassionate God” (Jonah 4:2), he fails to understand and internalize this truth. Because of this lack, when he earlier receives the call to prophesy, he attempts to flee and comes eventually to disaster.
Then, in his greatest need, he prays the prayer that is provided in today’s lesson. It is an urgent plea that comes in a time of crisis. Yet even though he is delivered, he still has not accepted the depths of God’s mercy, and flies into a rage when the Ninevites repent as a result of his prophecy.
Similarly, when the disciples are impressed and amazed by seeing Jesus walk on water, Peter rashly urges Jesus to invite him to join him. Whatever his motivation, he is unprepared for it and sinks the instant he takes his eyes off of Jesus. His prayer, “Lord, save me!” is surely one of the most fervent and heartfelt in scripture. It is all he has time for, and, in his desperation, comes from the heart.
The psalm for today presents a striking image of God in power and, by contrast, the dependence and subjection of all of creation under him. Here, surely, is One to whom we may appeal with confidence. Even in this psalm there is an expression of God’s tenderness and consideration: “The Lord shall give strength to his people; the Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace” (Psalm 29:11). Sometimes our circumstances leave us with nothing to say or even think, but only a wretched craving for God. And often God allows us to experience such desperation, because then we are able to pray more genuinely and deeply than ever before. And that is good.
Look It Up
Though the message in the epistle may appear to be separate from the rest of the lessons, it also has something in common with them. Where is the theme of disastrous sudden need which is met by a powerful but gracious God?
Think About It
What could have been Peter’s motivation to urge Jesus to call him to step over the side of the boat?
Next Sunday
The 13th Sunday After Pentecost (Proper 15A), Aug. 14, 2005
BCP: Isaiah 56:1(2-5)6-7; Psalm 67; Rom. 11:13-15, 29-32; Matt. 15:21-28
RCL: Gen. 45:1-15 or Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Psalm 133 or 67; Rom: 11:1-2a, 29-32; Matt. 15:(10-20), 21-28
