In general, I enjoy the process of preparing a homily. I love Scripture and a large part of the preparation has to be to, again, dive into the text to connect it to the lives of those who will hear it. As “Fulfilled in Your Hearing” (US Bishops) notes: the purpose of a homily is the shine the light of the Gospel into the lives of the hearers. It is a noble purpose, but, alas, a human endeavor.

Sometimes you get stuck on what you said the last time you preached this Gospel. Sometimes you got nada. You need a new angle, a different thought, and has you muse, you get distracted and perhaps way off track. Consider this rendition of the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year A – as retold to the tune of “Gilligan’s Island. For those not familiar with the 1960s TV comedy classic, here is a short introduction

Back in the Boat
Sung to the tune of “Gilligan’s Island” … sorta’
(more off track than normal, but….hey)

After Jesus fed the crowd,
his disciples went to sea
He said that he would met them there
On the shores of the Galilee … the shores of the Galilee

The weather started getting rough
But the tiny boat was tough
Then they saw someone draw near
That filled their hearts with fear

Walking on the water was
A frightening, ghostly scene
But then they heard the Master’s voice
Who set their hearts at ease

When Peter saw it was the Lord
He quickly left the boat
Moving to the One who saves
Walking on the waves

At first, it all was going fine
There was a problem not
Then Peter started looking ‘round
And sinking like a rock

“Save me, Lord” he shouted out
I cannot swim or float
Jesus stretched his saving hand
To place him into the boat

They all cried out in joy and hope
Because they all were safe
Peter, his brother ‘Drew – the brothers James and John
The Apostles 12, back in the boat
With the Son of God!