October 4: Season of Creation 4: “and the fish of the sea will declare to you. . .”

This Sunday, our service is an embarrassment of riches. Firstly, we will be baptizing Christopher Kay-MacDonald. This will be the first baptism that will have occurred during my time at Tobermory United, and it is an honour and a privilege to baptize this earnest young man. It is also World Communion Sunday, and so, together with our siblings in faith throughout the world, we will share in Communion. Not only that, but Elaine has arranged for musical guests! Robert Thompson, a grade-four student in Lion’s Head who won third place in the Popular Voice – Beginner Level (Ages 6-8) category at the 2026 Ontario Music Festivals Association Provincial Finals in June, is sharing his musical gifts this Sunday, along with his teacher, Mrs. Jordan Collins. Has “Rockin’ Robin” been sung at Tobermory United before? We will look forward to it!

This Sunday is also the fourth Sunday in the Season of Creation and, following our guide of Job 12:7-10, we’ll especially consider, “and the fish of the sea will declare to you. . .” What do the fish have to declare to us right now? A lot, I think. We’ll look at scripture in the Gospel of John where, following Jesus’ death, the disciples go out fishing but catch nothing. A stranger on the shore tells them to cast their nets on the other side of the boat, and the fish are there in plenty – 153 to be exact. We can feel the heaviness of the nets. The sense of abundance…

To prepare, read John 21:1-14 and ponder the following:

1.       “and the fish of the sea will declare to you. . .” In your mind, what are the fish declaring right now?

2.       Do you fish? If so, do you consider it a spiritual practice?