By Cate Edmonds, Canon Steward
You may not think about it often, but we are fortunate living near or within easy reach of the sea. After growing up beside the sea, for many years we lived over an hour away from the sea and we certainly missed it. But now like many take it for granted. In fine weather the shimmering sight of the blue sea is calming and then particularly after a storm the ranging grey waves crash again the shoreline. Whatever season, no matter how the weather the sea has a character of its own. It has a mystery, what is beneath, what is it hiding?
It is interesting to note that the sea is referred to frequently in the life of Jesus. Jesus called his first disciples, fishermen Simon Peter and Andrew, away from their nets at the shore on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus calms the sea when his disciples were fearful in a storm. Jesus came to the shocked disciples walking across the sea. Jesus sat in a boat in the shallows of the sea and preached to the pressing crowds. After his resurrection Jesus appeared to his fishing disciples and cooked them breakfast on the seashore.
The sea had a great importance for Jesus, a place where he taught and showed his real nature, he respected the sea. Do we have the same respect for our seas now?
It can be thought that the sea represents the unknown, the depths of human emotion, or the forces of nature that are beyond human control. The sea is often a metaphor for the journey of life, full of challenges but also opportunities for growth. If that is the case, we must do our best to look after it.
We should be thankful to God for its beauty in the changing seasons. We should be thankful for those whose livelihoods depend on the sea and give thanks and support those who protect us on the sea.
Like so much of creation, it is easy to take the sea for granted. Let us thank God for it and as we enjoy it in many ways, let us feel a wave of the Hoy Spirit washing over us giving us peace. Blessings, Canon Cate Edmonds.