Being prepared

In 1845, Sir John Franklin and 138 of the finest sailors set out to chart the Northwest Passage around the Canadian Arctic to the Pacific Ocean. Unfortunately, the two ships never returned home and all perished. The reason is simple, they were not prepared for a harsh voyage which was projected to last 2 to 3 years, but they only carried a 12-day supply of coal for their steam engines. But what they lacked in fuel, they made up in entertainment. Each ship carried a 1,200 volume library of books, a hand-organ, china lace settings for the officers, glass wine goblets, and sterling silver cutlery. Judging from these supplies one would think they were preparing for a Caribbean cruise, not an Arctic expedition. They carried no special clothing to protect them from the cold, but only their uniforms of Her Majesty’s fleet. Noble and respectful but thin and inadequate. The 2 ships sailed into frigid waters and everything around them froze, just as they did when they set out for help wearing their flimsy uniforms. For the next 20 years, the remains of the expedition were found all over the frozen sea. Skeletons of frozen officers were found still wearing the fine blue cloth of their uniforms. It’s very strange how men could embark on such a journey ill-prepared, more equipped for afternoon tea than the open frigid sea. We sometimes act as if the Christian life is a retirement cruise. We have little fuel but lots of entertainment. We are more concerned with looking snappy than with being prepared. We often give little thought to the destination, but make sure there’s plenty of silver around. God left us detailed instructions about our ultimate journey. His Word is our map – the Holy Spirit is our compass. Our prayer life and the Eucharist serve as our nourishment. Even at this stage of the Covid-19 pandemic, we seem to want to ignore what is important, which is our health, and feast on a life of pleasure and entertainment. Let us continue to be prepared, and encourage others to do the same.