Well Connected

We live in a world where “connections” are important.  As the saying goes, “I know somebody who knows somebody. . .”  Sometimes our connections enable us to get a good deal or to acquire a hard to get ticket to an important sporting event.  Sometimes people with connections can get a favorable hearing when they are in some kind of difficulty.  It’s all in who you know. 

The Book of Genesis tells us a story today where connections saved Lot’s life.  At the end of the story of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, we read: Thus it came to pass: when God destroyed the Cities of the Plain, he was mindful of Abraham by sending Lot away from the upheaval by which God overthrew the cities where Lot had been living.  (Genesis 19:29)  In other words, Lot was saved because he was a relative of Abraham.  Unfortunately, Lot’s wife did not fare so well. 

While our initial reaction to this situation might lead us to criticism, if we take a little time with the Scriptures today, we have to admit that our connections often spell the difference between success and disaster.  The Gospel relates the story of the storm on the Sea of Galilee.  Jesus is in the boat, but he is sleeping.  The boat is being swamped and the apostles are feeling threatened.  They wake Jesus who promptly calms the storm.  If Jesus had not been with them, they might have perished.

However, the point of the Gospel is that Jesus is with us in the midst of the storm.  We are connected.  We enjoy a privileged relationship with Jesus because of our baptism and our faith.  That privileged relationship can be our way out of difficult situations.  We can always count on Jesus to be there when we are in need.  If we value this connection, we would be wise to nourish it and develop it through a spirit of prayer and devotion.

Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator