SEA FEVER

It is recommended that you read the following Scripture portions You may also find help in the editorial notes at the end of the post.

Suggested Scriptures: Psalm 107:23 – 31, Matthew 14: 22 – 33

There follows a reading of JOHN MASEFIELD’S  poem ‘Sea Fever’. I dedicate this post to ‘All Who Go Down To The Sea In Ships: who carry out their tasks upon the mighty deep.  ( Psalm 107: 23)

My years of ministry in the  Grand Bank United Church, made me keenly aware of’ the  real” price of fish.” The ceaseless labor, the excruciating hardships, the ever-present dangers surrounding them and the hours of loneliness suffered by those who pursue that calling. Add to that, the anguish of loved ones on the shore who keep a constant watch for the first signs of their ship’s safe return. Home at last from a  sea that often appears reluctant to part with its riches. Only then does one begin to understand the real price of fish.

A PRAYER TO FOLLOW THIS READING

Blessed Lord, It is evident from Your Gospel that you nurtured a deep love and a  profound respect for the sea. It was beside the sea that Your ministry, that would change the world, had its beginning. It was here that You met men, whose blood every day was mixed with the salt spray of the sea. And from that company, you chose Your first disciples.It is also inspiring for us to recall how the epilogue to the account of Your glorious Ressurection is written with the sound of the sea breaking on the shore, and the sound of Jesus’  voice asking Peter: “Peter, do you love me ?” To which ‘ the big fisherman’ Peter, answered, ” Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You!”

Between that beginning and end, the thunder of the sea is like the recurring theme of a mighty symphony. In the terror of a storm, when there is only blackness and the cries of human helplessness are audible above the shrieking wind, Your voice is like music from Heaven: ” Don’t be afraid, it is I!”

It is of great comfort to know, that You once shared the agony of being on the shore while loved ones are somewhere out on the boundless deep. It was love for Your disciples that made You go to them one stormy night.  It is love that makes us want to go to our beloved also when the sea is boiling, but You know the burden we mortals bear. Please, Lord, whenever such situations arrive throughout our life’s journey, sustain us with the belief that our loved ones will hear You say: ”  Take heart, Fear Not! it is I.”  Thank You for holding us in Your arms and rescuing us in Your love, now and evermore. Amen.

Hymn: Eternal Father, Strong To Save

https://youtu.be/bDjwUzUnNpU

EDITORIAL NOTES

1. The suggested Scriptures are from the King James Version Of Scripture.
2. Sea Fever        https://allpoetry.com/Sea-Fever    Poem by John Masefield (Background music from Dan Gibson’s Solitudes: Ocean Surf – Seascapes)
3. The post is dedicated to All whose profession carries them away from their families to labor upon the sea.
4. Photo: The Fishing Dragger (GRAND BARON) somewhere at sea from Grand Bank, Newfoundland Courtesy of Bill Tibbo, Grand Bank, Newfoundland.d