In Washington’s Boat

Asking Jesus to calm the seas and keep the peace

07/04/2023

Mt 8:23-27 As Jesus got into a boat, his disciples followed him. Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by waves; but he was asleep. They came and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We are perishing!" He said to them, "Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?" Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. The men were amazed and said, "What sort of man is this, whom even the winds and the sea obey?"

One of the most iconic paintings that captured the bravery, leadership, and heart of the American Revolutionary War was Washington Crossing the Delaware River. Have you seen it? It is quite stunning. It was painted by Emmanuel Leutze in 1851. One copy of the massive 18ft by 12ft painting used to hang in the West Wing of the White House, but is now displayed in the Minnesota Marine Art Museum in Winona, MN.

It shows General Washington standing in the stern looking in the direction the boat full of men is rowing. The American flag, the symbol of revolution against England, waves behind him. The men row not only against the fierce waves, but they must also break up the frigid ice because it was in the dead of winter on Dec. 25 and 26, 1776.

But because it was such a surprise attack, Washington and the American Continental Army are able to handily defeat the Hessians, mercenary soldiers fighting for the British. Because of several such victories the Americans began to believe they could defeat the mighty British and enjoy independence and freedom. All that happened because of a boat on water and a leader who saw and seized the symbolic moment.

In the gospel of Matthew this morning we see another fearless leader in a boat on the water, who seizes another symbolic moment highly charged with significance. Matthew describes with inspired pen and paper what Emmanuel Leutze depicted with paint on canvas, namely, Jesus in a boat with his disciples. Like Washington and his men, the disciples have to contend with adverse conditions of weather and waves. Instead of ice and darkness, Matthew writes: “Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea so that the boat was being swamped by the waves.”

But if we use a sort of biblical imagination, we should not think of this sea water as simply the lake water of the sea of Galilee. Rather, the wild water represents the forces of the world that try to sink the boat of Jesus and his disciples. In other words, the boat is the Church. Later in Rv 13, this symbolism of the sea will become stronger and clearer.

In Rv 13:1, we read: “Then I saw a beast coming out of the sea with ten horns and seven heads.” Most scholars agree and interpret this first beast in Revelation, the sea beast, to be the Roman Empire. In other words, when Jesus subdues the waters of the sea, and caused great calm, St. Matthew is trying to assure the early Christians that Jesus will not let his Church ultimately be overcome by worldly forces and kingdoms.

Washington’s peaceful presence on the boat crossing the dangerous Delaware River gave hope to the small band of American revolutionaries. In like manner, Jesus’ peaceful presence – indeed, he was so peaceful he was asleep! – should give great hope and confidence to the small band of Christian disciples of all ages throughout history.

Today, July 4th, we celebrate Independence Day here in the United States. That freedom and autonomy was not won without struggle and sacrifice. And it will not be safeguarded without struggle and sacrifice. Yesterday, my brother, Paul, packed up and sent his son, Isaac, who completed West Point last year, to Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX, and his first duty station will be Germany.

And by the way, I have never prayed for peace in the world as fervently as I started to do yesterday! It is one thing to admire the bravery of Washington crossing the Delaware and cheer them on. It is an entirely different matter when your nephew is in Washington’s boat. I felt like yelling: “Get out of the boat, Isaac!”

But whether we are in Washington’s boat, or in Jesus’ boat, there will always be storms at sea, and the forces of this world that will try to sink the ship. Today please join me in praying for the brave men and women who keep our country safe and allow us to enjoy freedoms and peace, while they stand watch all over the world. Let us ask Jesus who calmed the storm at sea to keep the world at peace also.

Praised be Jesus Christ!