THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
10th July 2026
Greetings,
The second Sunday of July is sometimes known as Sea Sunday. It's a long-established custom to pray for seafarers and those who work amongst them, such as the Missions to Seafarers and the RNLI. In recent times it has been expanded to include prayer for the oceans themselves. The Scriptures reflect an ancient view of the seas as being in rebellion against the sovereignty of God. It's not surprising given the sheer power and danger of the sea. But we are more likely to regard the sea as reflecting the awe and majesty of God's creation. As with dry land, we have a responsibility as stewards to care wisely for the world's oceans. It's something I think about every time I buy fish (what does responsibly sourced really mean?) and discard plastic. Is it really recycled and how much of it is likely to end up in the seas, and, via fish, in us? And do we really care enough to do anything about it?
In total contrast, Sunday's gospel (Matthew 13.1-9, 18-23) is fixed on dry land, albeit delivered from the water, a boat by the shores of The Sea of Galilee. The Parable of the Sower challenges us to reflect on the depth and character of our faith. The aspiration, of course, is to be deeply rooted, bearing fruit, thirty, sixty or even a hundredfold. But I think the reality for most of us is that faith is choked by the cares and burdens of life, preventing us from becoming the people that God would have us be, and reflecting in human form the awe and majesty of God's creation. While it is tempting to resort to introspection and wonder, why can't I do better? It is surely more fruitful to focus outwardly, taking the character of the Sower himself as our inspiration and guide. The Sower is not preoccupied with his capabilities so much as getting the job done. In similar manner our job is to live faithfully for Christ, in season and out of season. We must simply press on, sow the seed, and allow God to do the rest.
Blessings,
Charles Booth
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