There have been two sad and tragic maritime incidents over the past days. Firstly the ‘Costa Concordia‘, a Cruise Liner which ran aground off the west coast of Italy. At the time of writing there are 11 people confirmed dead and 23 still unaccounted for. Secondly, and closer to here, the search continues today in Glandore Harbour for the five missing crewmen that went down with the vessel ‘Tit Bonhomme‘.
(Photo: Glandore Harbour in happier times)
Last night, in the home group that meets in our house we discussed the passage in Matthew 14 where Jesus walks on the water towards his stricken disciples. It was only natural then that we found ourselves praying for those affected by these two tragedies and for all those whose livelihood depends on the sea. It is perhaps impossible to imagine what it must be like for the relatives, as they wait for the bodies of their loved ones to be recovered. May God help them in ways beyond words and understanding and may He give all help to those involved in the search.
Of course, the words of that great hymn, “Eternal Father Strong to Save” comes to our minds at times such as this:
Eternal Father, strong to save,
whose arm doth bind the restless wave,
who bidd’st the mighty ocean deep
its own appointed limits keep:
O hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
O Saviour,whose almighty word
the wind and waves submissive heard,
who walkedst on the foaming deep,
and calm amidst its rage did sleep;
O hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
O Holy Spirit, who didst sweep
across the dark and formless deep
to bid its angry tumult cease,
and give, for wild confusion, peace:
O hear us when we cry to thee
for those in peril on the sea.
O Trinity of love and power,
sustain us all in danger’s hour;
through wreck and tempest, grief and loss,
renew the triumph of the cross:
and ever let there rise to thee
glad hymns of praise from land and sea.
William Whiting (1825-78)
