The Daily Office for October 18, 2012
Scripture Readings
Old Testament
Psalm
New Testament
Gospel
Reflection
As Paul and the other prisoners drifted across the Mediterranean, they could tell they were approaching land, probably due to the sound of breakers crashing. As the depth soundings revealed that the water was becoming more shallow, they cast four anchors in an attempt to secure the ship before drifting into the shore. The alert apostle frustrated an attempt by the crew to escape in the boat launch, leaving the rest on board. The soldiers cut the ropes and let the smaller boat drift off. Toward daybreak, Paul then urged them all to have something to eat, a suggestion that paid off later. In unique Christian style he gave thanks to God in the presence of them all. Certainly a true believer can never become reluctant or embarrassed to ask God’s blessing over his or her meal in a public situation in light of the example of the Apostle Paul.
To save their lives, they cast the remaining wheat into the sea. The ship owner’s attempt to get his cargo to Rome in time to get the best price had now totally failed. At daybreak they attempted to run the ship aground in a creek which parted the shore. They cast off the anchors and, using the two large steering oars on either side of the ship, they tried to make the shore with a small foresail. However, they didn't make it and ran the ship aground. The bow of the ship was stuck on the shoal, while the force of the waves against the stern began breaking the ship in two. Had Paul not stepped to the forefront as he had and won the confidence of the centurion, all the prisoners would have been put to death by the soldiers’ counsel. This action would have followed traditional Roman discipline to kill their charges rather than risk escape. The centurion, however, willing to save Paul and many of those who could swim did so and the rest floated in on boards, and some even on the pieces of the ship. Nevertheless, they all were able to reach land safely from the sandbar. The incident reveals the outstanding faith and character of the Apostle Paul, who emerged as the hero of the story in spite of being a prisoner on the ship!
Collect for the Day
Almighty God, you called Luke the physician, whose praise is in the gospel, to be an evangelist and physician of the soul: by the grace of the Spirit and through the wholesome medicine of the gospel, give your Church the same love and power to heal; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.