Today is Ocean Sunday. As I was researching for today’s sermon, I came across a good opener
“Has anybody ever been close enough to the ocean to put your feet in? All right. All right. I want to hear what it was like. What do you remember about being at the ocean?
Response: “Salty.”
Salty.
Response: “Cold.” Cold. The water is cold.
Big waves.
Response: “Big waves.” Response: Buoyancy.”
Buoyant. The salt water. Anything else? Response: “The sea’s roar.”
The roar. It is the sound that you heard when you came in this morning. Response: “It’s very powerful”
It’s powerful. It is very powerful. Anything else? Response: “The waves.”
The waves. You ride them. Right. Okay.
How many people here have been on the ocean, say, a naval vessel or a cruise, maybe? Okay. Lots! Cool. What do you remember about that?
Response: “Seasick.” Seasick. That happens.
Response: “Pollution.” Pollution. There is that, quite a bit. Anything else?
Response: “Whales.” Whales. You saw whales. Very cool.
Response: “Vastness.” Vastness. You see nothing but water out there.
All right. Last question. Anybody here ever been under the ocean? Do I have any scuba divers here? All right. What do you remember about that?
Response: “Beauty.”
Beauty.
Response: “Different kinds of life.” Different kinds of life. So much of that.
I have a couple of fun facts about the ocean. The ocean covers 71% of the earth’s surface in one global, interconnected body. There is one ocean. We call them by different names, but there is one ocean. 71% of the surface. It contains 321 million cubic miles of water, or 3.5 times 10 to the 20th gallons. The ocean, this one big interconnected ocean, contains 97% of the earth’s water.1 At its deepest point, the ocean is 6.8 miles deep.2 There has been a marine census, an actual census of marine life, and it estimates that there are about 250,000 different species in the ocean. But and here is the most amazing to me, less than 5% of the earth’s ocean has been explored. We know very little about God’s ocean. ”[1]
For this Sunday there are the traditional sets of reading recommended one includes a speech God gives to Job. This is the message version;
God Confronts Job
Have You Gotten to the Bottom of Things?
38 And now, finally, God answered Job from the eye of a violent storm. He said:
2-11 “Why do you confuse the issue?
Why do you talk without knowing what you’re talking about?
Pull yourself together, Job!
Up on your feet! Stand tall!
I have some questions for you,
and I want some straight answers.
Where were you when I created the earth?
Tell me, since you know so much!
Who decided on its size? Certainly you’ll know that!
Who came up with the blueprints and measurements?
How was its foundation poured,
and who set the cornerstone,
While the morning stars sang in chorus
and all the angels shouted praise?
And who took charge of the ocean
when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb?
That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds,
and tucked it in safely at night.
Then I made a playpen for it,
a strong playpen so it couldn’t run loose,
And said, ‘Stay here, this is your place.
Your wild tantrums are confined to this place.’
Why do you talk without knowing what you’re talking about?
Pull yourself together, Job!
Up on your feet! Stand tall!
I have some questions for you,
and I want some straight answers.
Where were you when I created the earth?
Tell me, since you know so much!
Who decided on its size? Certainly you’ll know that!
Who came up with the blueprints and measurements?
How was its foundation poured,
and who set the cornerstone,
While the morning stars sang in chorus
and all the angels shouted praise?
And who took charge of the ocean
when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb?
That was me! I wrapped it in soft clouds,
and tucked it in safely at night.
Then I made a playpen for it,
a strong playpen so it couldn’t run loose,
And said, ‘Stay here, this is your place.
Your wild tantrums are confined to this place.’
This is a beautiful image of the waters being Gods wild child birthed and wrapped in swaddling clouds. But this also calls us out for honestly how much do we know about the ocean? Better yet how do we care for our sister the ocean? You hear me using sibling language but the scripture here describes the ocean as a child of God as are, we therefore….
And from our sister the ocean all life flowed out of. Biblically and scientifically speaking. Perhaps this is why we use water in baptism…maybe this is why Jesus invited Peter out into the deep.
Can you imagine having been out fishing all night long and have nothing to show for it. You are exhausted and worried. Not only does this mean no food on your table but it also means no income and also means no fish for the village and the people in your community. So many people depend upon your catch.
Suddenly here comes Jesus with a crowd following him. Many of the people you know for they are from yours and the neighboring villages. Jesus gets into your boat and asks you to put out a little way so he can teach.
it is interesting, well at least to me, we know nothing of what Jesus’ message was that day. There is no hint as to what he had to say. What we do know is that as soon as he was finished, he turned to Simon and said; “Put out into the deep and let down your nets to catch something.” Of course, Simon lets his brain engage before his heart and states “Master the whole night we have been laboring and caught nothing…” Then his heart engages, and he says, “but at your word I will let down my nets.”
So Jesus basically had Simon as a captive audience. Simon alone was in that boat with him and Simon saw all and heard all. You have to see this in your mind’s eye…Jesus asks Simon to row out a little way and sits down to teach.
As he finishes teaching Jesus asks Simon to go out and cast in o the deep. We then get a glimpse of stubborn Simon and even though he is being kind of practical even in that moment he knows enough to call Jesus Master, then as he goes out and he catches a bunch of fish in spite of his skepticism so much so it is about to sink his boat and that of the others who were there as well.
This could be the end of the story. Peter has a miraculous catch all the people are fed. No one is hungry physically or spiritually.
“Peter falls down on his face and says, “Get out of here, Jesus!” Literally, “Get out of my neighborhood. You don’t belong here. I don’t want you here. Go away.” Peter is more comfortable with a fixed, failed reality. “We have worked all night long; we haven’t got any fish.” He is more comfortable with what he knows. He’s more comfortable with what he is dealing with now, than the wild, unexplainable, uncontrollable life of faith that Jesus invites him to.
The kingdom of God is a terrifying thing. It is wild, like the proud waves of the ocean. It’s uncontrollable, like two boats sinking with fish. It’s full of life, like the empty tomb on Easter morning.
“Get out of here, Jesus,” says Peter. “I’m not up to this. I’m not good enough for this.”
Like Peter, we are often more comfortable on the shore with what we know, than in trusting the wild, surprising abundance Jesus brings. So, when it comes right down to it, we’re often better with Good Friday than with Easter. We are good at the worrying. We’re good at the analyzing. “This country is going downhill.” “They are dangerous.” “What will I do if . . .?” Fill in the blank. We are good at sitting in darkness that we know. What really scares us is Easter. The unmanageable, mysterious, powerful grace that knows no bounds and can’t be contained. The deep water of God’s infinite love. That is enough to make us say, “Get out of the neighborhood, Jesus. I’m not up to this.”
But life cannot be contained. And God cannot be held back. So, Jesus responds, “Do not be afraid.” Hold on to that hope that got you into the boat right now. Remember that there is abundance and freedom in God. There is God’s love and provision, even in dark times. There can be community and caring neighbors. Remember that, “All will be well, and all will be well, and all manner of things will be well.”[2]
We do not know what Jesus said to the People, Jesus has said nothing to Simon Peter except move out to deeper water. Let’s get out of this shallow place and go deeper.
That is the invitation to us to day to go deeper.
As we enter into this season of creation, as we walk into the waters of ocean Sunday, we know how dangerous and risky new adventures can be. We know we are called to move out of our safety zone on the shore. We know we are called to move away from; “but what can I do?” or “if I do anything it won’t make a difference.”
One of the purposes of the season of creation is to draw our attention to how we care for the earth and the drastic environmental changes that are happening. The very lake, the sea of galilee in today’s gospel has been shrinking. This is due to climate related drought and over use as the fresh water source for centuries.
So Israel is building two more deslizination plants and will be pumping 100 milion gallons of fresh water into the sea of gallillee not only sustaining it but making it a fresh water rsevoir.
That is good stewardship of Gods given water. And since it is ocean Sunday we have all seen pictures of what plastics are doing in our ocean. How climate change is agffecting the waters and the coral reefs. Though it is but a short drive to the ocean many of us do not feel connected to it and wonder what we can do
What can we do as in-landers to preserve our ocean and be responsible for our sister the ocean?
1. Mind Your Carbon Footprint and Reduce Energy Consumption
Reduce the effects of climate change on the ocean by leaving the car at home when you can and being conscious of your energy use at home and work. A few things you can do to get started today: Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs, take the stairs, and bundle up or use a fan to avoid oversetting your thermostat.
Global fish populations are rapidly being depleted due to demand, loss of habitat, and unsustainable fishing practices. When shopping or dining out, help reduce the demand for overexploited species by choosing seafood that is both healthful and sustainable.
3. Use Fewer Plastic Products
Plastics that end up as ocean debris contribute to habitat destruction and entangle and kill tens of thousands of marine animals each year. To limit your impact, carry a reusable water bottle, store food in nondisposable containers, bring your own cloth tote or other reusable bag when shopping, and recycle whenever possible.
4. Help Take Care of the Beach
Whether you enjoy diving, surfing, or relaxing on the beach, always clean up after yourself. Explore and appreciate the ocean without interfering with wildlife or removing rocks and coral. Go even further by encouraging others to respect the marine environment or by participating in local beach cleanups.
5. Don't Purchase Items That Exploit Marine Life
Certain products contribute to the harming of fragile coral reefs and marine populations. Avoid purchasing items such as coral jewelry, tortoiseshell hair accessories (made from hawksbill turtles), and shark products.
6. Be an Ocean-Friendly Pet Owner
Read pet food labels and consider seafood sustainability when choosing a diet for your pet. Never flush cat litter, which can contain pathogens harmful to marine life. Avoid stocking your aquarium with wild-caught saltwater fish, and never release any aquarium fish into the ocean or other bodies of water, a practice that can introduce non-native species harmful to the existing ecosystem.
7. Support Organizations Working to Protect the Ocean
Many institutes and organizations are fighting to protect ocean habitats and marine wildlife. Find a national organization and consider giving financial support or volunteering for hands-on work or advocacy. If you live near the coast, join up with a local branch or group and get involved in projects close to home.
8. Influence Change in Your Community
Research the ocean policies of public officials before you vote or contact your local representatives to let them know you support marine conservation projects. Consider patronizing restaurants and grocery stores that offer only sustainable seafood, and speak up about your concerns if you spot a threatened species on the menu or at the seafood counter.
9. Travel the Ocean Responsibly
Practice responsible boating, kayaking, and other recreational activities on the water. Never throw anything overboard, and be aware of marine life in the waters around you. If you’re set on taking a cruise for your next vacation, do some research to find the most eco-friendly option.
10. Educate Yourself About Oceans and Marine Life
All life on Earth is connected to the ocean and its inhabitants. The more you learn about the issues facing this vital system, the more you’ll want to help ensure its health—then share that knowledge to educate and inspire others.[3]
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