On Sea Sunday, celebrated in 2024 on 14 July, churches all over the world come together to remember seafarers and pray for them, their families and those who support them.
Let us remember all those who work and live from the sea, among them sailors, fishermen, women and their families. Away from family and friends for many months at a time, working long hours and navigating some of the world’s most dangerous stretches of ocean, seafaring can be a tough, lonely and hazardous career. On this Day of Prayer for Seafarers, we pray especially for these hardworking men and women who are often forgotten.
Pause
Take a moment to still yourself. Take a deep breath and ask God for a renewed sense of presence with you in this moment.
Readings of the Day
Am 7:12-15: The LORD took me from following the flock, and said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’
Ps 85:9-10, 11-12, 13-14: R. Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
Eph 1:3-14 or 1:3-10: In him we have redemption by his blood, the forgiveness of transgressions, in accord with the riches of his grace.
Alleluia Alleluia! May the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ enlighten the eyes of our hearts, that we may know what is the hope that belongs to our call.
Mk 6:7-13: He instructed them to take nothing for the journey but a walking stick—no food, no sack, no money in their belts.
Gospel Meditation
Mark 6: 7-13
In today’s Gospel we hear that Jesus sent out the disciples in pairs, but they were to take almost nothing with them – so they had to rely on the providence of God on their travels – and the generosity of the people they would stay with on the journey. Those people would be strangers to them – but the disciples were reliant on those strangers’ hospitality. This requires faith.
The teaching that God’s love is present in welcoming strangers and neighbours is a strong belief of many cultures. The divine lives in each of us, and when we welcome each other, we welcome God, and Jesus, the Son of God.
According to Jesus’ instructions, if people didn’t welcome or listen to the disciples, they were to walk away, shaking the dust from under their feet. This gesture represents both cleansing and Jesus’ displeasure at those who have rejected these strangers (his disciples) – we would surely not want that for ourselves.
When seafarers are in foreign ports, they often rely on the strangers who visit them to support them – to take them to the shops, to give them internet access, to take them to a Church for Mass or confession. Often, they don’t even speak the local language, making things even harder.
Sea Sunday is the day our parishes pray for seafarers and fishers and support Stella Maris (Apostleship of the Sea) – the Catholic charity that provides that welcome for seafarers in ports in this country and around the world. The chaplains and volunteers of Stella Maris listen to seafarers’ stories, help to provide what they need, and answer Jesus’s call to give hospitality to the stranger.
Reflection from StellaMaris.co.uk
Prayers of Intercession
Let us ask God to protect all seafarers and fishers, who work hard on the perilous sea, to bring us so many of the goods that we rely on in our daily lives. May they always feel the loving embrace of our Heavenly Father.
Lord hear us.
Let us pray for seafarers affected by conflict. Especially for those in the Black and Red Seas impacted by the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. That they may be protected during their work.
Lord hear us.
Jesus sent the disciples out in pairs to anoint sick people and cure them. Let us pray for all those who are ill, for those who have been injured in accidents onboard ships or elsewhere, and for the sick of our own communities.
Lord hear us.
Let us pray for all those who feel abandoned, neglected or exploited, whether at sea or in our own community. That they may be supported by God’s protection and the care of others.
Lord hear us.
Lord, help us to show hospitality to strangers. Let us pray for Stella Maris and its mission to be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing love and compassion to all those who visit our ports and shores.
Lord hear us.
We pray for Pope Francis and all who lead the Church: that, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, they may continue to guide and shepherd us along the path of faith.
Lord hear us.
Prayers from StellaMaris.co.uk
Closing Karakia
Heavenly Father, we give thanks to you for your creation and all the beauty in this world. We thank you for the ocean, in its abundance, and for the people who toil on its surface. Without our brothers and sisters who are seafarers, we would not be able to enjoy all the blessings of this world. Enfold them in your fatherly love, guide their passage through storm, swell and darkness. May we always be mindful of our Global Family and be truly grateful for the sacrifices seafarers make each day.
Amen.
Prayer from the National Liturgy Office