The Pointer November 2019
Rector The Rt Rev Darren McCartney 028 4175 3497 suffragan1@gmail.com
The Magazine of the Church of Ireland Parishes of Clonallon & Warrenpoint with Kilbroney in the Diocese of Down and Dromore
Clonallon harvest pulpit
rounded a large island, we could see the town, not far off. The wind picked up and with the tide it was creating large waves, so I made the call that we should turn back. We had come so far but the sea conditions were not favourable, and we headed back
to shelter and safety.
The wind has a way of whipping up the sea. Wind and tide going in the opposite direction causes the sea to be choppy which can be unsettling should you be on the water. I am sure you have witnessed the effects of the wind and the tide even on the boats in Warrenpoint harbour. I love driving along the road between Warrenpoint and Rostrevor, observing the effects of the elements on the sea conditions and often thinking it would not be a day to be out on the water. In the recent storm the spray from the sea was coming over the wall and onto the road. Karen, Liam and I enjoyed many opportunities to go boating so Liam loves driving past the boats that are at anchor in the harbour. On one occasion, whilst living in the Arctic, Karen, Liam and I attempted to return to town after being out for a few days at a camp. As we
In a boat, out at sea and in worsening sea conditions is concerning at the best of times, but can you imagine seeing something on top of the water, something that looked like a ghost or what you had heard a spirit may look like? The disciples had such an experience and it is recorded in gospels of Matthew, Mark and John. The disciples are some 5 to 6 kilometers out on the Sea of Galilee and are attempting to reach the town of Capernaum. Jesus moves to settle the disciples with the words “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” Matthew 14:27 Many of you will recall that it is here that Peter walks on water and also starts to sink beneath the waves, calling out to Jesus who reaches out to rescue him. I often need to be reminded of the following words spoken by Jesus to Peter, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” The next verse goes on to say that when Jesus gets into the boat the wind dies down and the disciples worshiped him. Powerful imagery and worth mediating on, particularly with all that is happening within society today. It is easy for us to feel confused, isolated, vulnerable and frightened but let us remember who Jesus is and his promise to be with us to the end of the age. +Darren