Journeyers,
In a previous life, I spent much time at Lake Tahoe – North Shore, Carnelian Bay to be specific – throughout the year. It is one of my favorite all-time, all-year-round places. Each season brings its own special beauty and sense of tranquility. Descending the Donner Summit into the Tahoe Basin strips away the intensity of Bay Area energy.
Due to the Alpine nature – even on the warmest of summer days when the temperature reaches 80 degrees – the surface temperature of the lake reaches only about 65 degrees and below surface level 50 degrees or lower. We would cross the lake in our 19’ boat, “screw our courage to the sticking place,” jump into the bracing lake water, and emerge as if reborn. Around three o’clock in the afternoon, the lake can become quite dangerous. The waters can become extremely rough, mimicking ocean-like swells with waves reaching 4 to 8 feet high during intense weather events in a matter of minutes.
I remember foolishly navigating through one or two of these events, singing Spirituals.
This week Matthew 14:22-33 continues his narrative of Jesus’s ministry on the Sea of Galilee (3 times smaller than Lake Tahoe). The disciples encounter a storm while crossing to the other side, Jesus does that walking-on-water thing and calls Peter to him. Peter’s attempt to walk on water toward Jesus is successful at first but then fear sinks him.
I look forward to seeing you at 10 am Sunday on 1130 Balclutha, Zoom, or Livestream as I reflect upon this text through a modern lens. Bring a friend along for the ride.
Yours on the journey,
Rev. Michael