From the Pulpit: Come – get out of the boat

When I first arrived in Brandon at Risen Savior in 2021, I knew very few people. Having been raised in Mitchell, the only thing I really remember was playing tennis at the middle school courts and eating at the old Dairy Queen. Honestly, even having recently lived in Sioux Falls, I had no idea even where the Catholic Church in Brandon was located. I did know that Brandon had a Sunshine with a South Dakota famous catering business – Tony’s! I arrived in May just in time for the Loyalty Day Parade. Even as a military member, I had never heard of the patriotic celebration of Loyalty Day.   had received an email prior to coming that reminded me that the flags along Holly were not there to welcome me, but for Loyalty Day. Glad that was pointed out to me, since I definitely would assume it was all about me! My first experience included: patriotism, loyalty – and we could say faithfulness.That’s Brandon.

A few weeks into my new position at the Church, I was invited to attend the post-Covid Special Olympics track meet at Brandon Valley High School’s stadium. Initially, I made up a few excuses why I couldn’t or shouldn’t go, but then a passage from the Gospel of Matthew 14 rang in my ears – “Take Courage … Come” – get out of the boat. You see in this scripture passage, Peter and the disciples were in their small fishing boat crossing the Sea of Galilee when a storm rose up. The wind and the rough seas were rocking the boat, tossing it and the disciples about. Jesus appears to them walking on the water, which actually terrified them even more, thinking it was a ghost. Jesus says, “Take courage. It is I … come” get out of the boat. Peter does. So that passage came to my mind – I could stay in my office, stay within the confines of the Church or I could get out of the boat. (Actually, many Catholic Churches are built like boats.) So I went to the high school track to watch the Special Olympics. I had no idea who I would sit with or even if I would know anybody attending, but I am so glad that I went!  

My second major experience included: watching the entire football stands filled with high school students, parents, community members and friends cheering on our Special Olympics athletes as they competed in many different track and field events. Fellowship, dignity of all life, community – these values were on display for all to see. That’s Brandon.

This community has so much to offer if we are willing to get out of the boat and experience it. Each of us too, has something to offer within our community as well if we are willing to get out of our comfort zone. Your comfort zone might be a boat, or your office, home or something else. Jesus invites us to get out of the boat – “Take Courage  …come.” I’m glad I got out of the boat and continue to do so. I believe you too might be glad when you trust and leave your “boat!”