Christ of the Depths

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The Rev. Mark Trotter tells about an underwater statue of Jesus in the port of Genoa that is called the Christ of the Deep. It is a statue of Jesus with his arms outstretched, as if to say, “Come unto me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” The statue is placed beneath the surface of the water in the harbor, descended into the depths of the ocean, as a memorial to all of those who died at sea. But Trotter makes the point that it is also a wonderful symbol of the gospel message that Christ has gone into the depths of suffering in our lives in order to give us new life.

Even today, on this Maundy Thursday, Christ continues to descend into the depths of our pain and heartache and into our problems and burdens. And the invitation is still there for all who are weary and heavy ladened. He will give you rest.

Our prayer today was written by St. Patrick of Ireland. Let us pray: May the strength of God pilot us. May the power of God preserve us. May the wisdom of God instruct us. May the hand of God protect us. May the way of God direct us. May the shield of God defend us. May the host of God guard us against the snares of evil and the temptations of the world.

May Christ be with us, Christ before us, Christ in us, Christ over us. May your salvation, O Lord, be always ours this day and forevermore. Amen.