April 21, 2020

​Daily Lectionary Reading for Year A

The second reading today is the story of Jonah.  God wanted Jonah to go to Nineveh and call the people into repentance.  Jonah didn't want to go so he jumped on a ship that was heading in the opposite direction.  Once at sea, a giant storm came up.  The sailors determined Jonah caused the dangerous weather.  To change their luck the sailors threw Jonah overboard.  He was swallowed up by a large fish and spit out on the shore of Nineveh.  This made me wonder about the superstitions of sailors.  If they thought Jonah's occupation caused the seas to stir, what else are sailors concerned about?

1. Bananas.  Since bananas spoiled so quickly the ship had to sail as fast as possible to the next port leaving no time for fishing.
2. Whistling.  Whistling could "whistle up a storm."
3. Words.  Saying words like "drown" or "goodbye" would likely lead to a terrible fate.
4. Days.  Fridays are unlucky days to set sail as that was the day of Jesus' crucifixion.  Thursdays are bad because that was "Thor's Day," the mythical god of thunder and lightning.  The first Monday in April should be avoided because that was the day Cain slew Abel.  The only good day to set sail is Sunday.
5. Feet.  Always step on the ship with your right foot.  Leading with your left foot brings bad luck for the journey.

Do you have any superstitions?  Where did they come from and what do they mean?  Give someone a phone call and let them know the things you do or avoid doing to try to get through a day.

Peace,
Dean