MINISTER’S NOTE 13 AUGUST 2023
All that is taking place in our world gives a feeling
that the boat of our life is far from land right now.
The night is dark, the waves are high, and the wind
is strong. There is every reason to be afraid. It begins
in my heart, your heart, and the heart of the world.
As Jesus did to the disciples who were caught in a
storm, today he is imploring us to have a life-giving
courage, a courage grounded in the “I Am” of Jesus:
I am the light of the world; I am the way; I am
the truth; I am the life; I am the good shepherd; I
am the resurrection. It is the same “I Am” of the
burning bush that gave Moses the courage to lead
the Israelites out of their bondage in Egypt.
The world needs the life-giving “I Am” courage. Life
giving courage seeks reconciliation and the wellbeing
of all people. Ultimately, life-giving courage
manifests the heart of God and it looks, speaks,
acts, and loves like Jesus. Life giving courage does
not mean we won’t be afraid. It is, rather, the
means by which we face our fear. We need to find
our own way of taking back our hearts and living
with this life-giving courage.
Jesus says: “Take heart, it is I,” (Matthew 14: 27). I
hope you and I are afraid enough to take heart,
and to never stop taking heart. Hear Jesus’ words
again as he says: “Be courageous, I Am.”
Blessings,
Vuyelwa.