The Power of One

At the end of the Acts of the Apostles,  we read a dramatic account of a ship that battled with a storm for 14 days and nights, threatening the life of all on board.  The 267 people included the captain and sailors,  their passengers, and some Roman officers and their prisoners including St Paul.  (Acts 27)  Paul was no stranger to  shipwreck. (2nd Cor 11). Though he was a man who passed through many storms, hardships and  dangers,  he never lost faith in God.  When all on board had given up hope of being saved (v20) Paul was able to encourage them:  “ I beg of you, take heart.  Last night, an angel of the God to whom I belong...came to me and said:  ‘ don’t be afraid, Paul!  God in His Goodness to you, has saved the lives of all those who are sailing with you’ (24).   This ‘don’t be afraid’ is repeated over and over in God’s relationship with His people.   Listening to the daily news, and in many of the countries where we live,  we can feel helpless  and overwhelmed by the storms shaking our world.  God is not helpless.    In His Loving Kindness “ no thought of ours is left unguarded, no tear unheeded, no joy unnoticed”.    Many times in the Word of God we read how the faith and prayer of one person saved the whole people… Noah, Abraham, Moses, Esther… This gives us Hope and like St Paul in the storm, our trust can encourage others.  On our threatened planet, we are all in the same boat. 

“Even when age or illness restricts our activities, we continue to participate fully in the mission of the Institute .  We live through this period of our life with loving confidence in God and an apostolic attitude towards all those we meet”( BI 48 )

“Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come.

‘ Twas grace that brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home” (Amazing Grace)