An Episcopal priest serving Saint Hilary’s Episcopal Church in Fort Myers, FL
I enjoy all aspects of my vocation but love picking hymns for Sunday worship. So, often, I choose hymns that I can introduce that are not in my church’s usual repertoire, including some older hymns well worth singing.
One hymn I introduced in the first parish I served as Rector in the Florida Keys was “They Cast Their Nets in Galilee,” with lyrics by American poet and author William Alexander Percy.
It speaks about the lives of the original disciples who followed Jesus and the peace they found through their faith despite life’s hardships.
While I cannot provide the complete lyrics verbatim due to copyright restrictions, I can summarize the hymn for you:
Verse 1 says, “Contented, peaceful fishermen before they ever knew the peace of God that filled their hearts Brimful and broke them too.”
The hymn reflects how the disciples cast their nets in the Sea of Galilee, leading simple, hardworking lives. When called upon by Jesus, they left everything they had and knew to follow Him. The song emphasizes the peace and fulfillment they found in faith, even amid trials and sacrifices. But it has a twist at the end as it says: “The peace of God, it is no peace, but strife closed in the sod, yet, let us pray for but one thing: The marvelous peace of God.”
You may not hear this song sung in your church, but you can find a recording online. The God we worship and serve loves our creative side. Musicians, artists, and people who work with crafts delight our God. Give these pursuits a try—they will certainly give you that incredible peace of God the song’s lyrics describe.
The Very Rev. A. Charles Cannon, III
Saint Hilary’s Episcopal Church
5011 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Office 239-936-1000
