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Once upon a time, another priest (Msgr. Thomas Geddes) and I spent a lot of quality time fishing together. We went to local streams like Potato Creek (big fish) and Marvin Creek (smaller fish) both of which are located in McKean County, PA. Should he locate the fish first, he would simply shout “tuna”. I would know that if the fish were biting slowly where I was fishing, I could connect with him and change my experience. He could do the same if I spoke the “sacred word”. “Tuna” meant connect, bond, re-member or be united with God, one another and fish. The word “tuna” has nothing to do with fish but rather a wholesome attitude, a sense of oneness in being and reality. Would you like to have a “tuna” experience? A mountain top experience? If you have not experienced a memorable moment or a high from prayer, then think or better yet, choose the Newhalen Lodge. Both Fr. Tom and I were blessed by fishing at the Newhalen Lodge in Non-Dalton, Alaska for many years. Bill Sims and his sons gave us and will give to you the opportunity to have a “tuna” experience. The guides, cooks, company and fishing blend together to give the client a “tuna” experience. You will experience good fishing and live in a holy, happy, healthy and even humorous atmosphere of peace, joy and happiness. Meister Echert, the Medieval Mystic, must have been a fly fisherman. He understood spirituality and fishing when he wrote the words: “... is the water in the fish or the fish in the water ...”. (Just make a change to make it personal - is God in you or are you in God.) I also believe that St. John the Evangelist was probably a fly fisherman as he too wore the shoes of a fisherman and in the thought of his model wanted all to be one with the Master. Both men had Potato Creek, Marvin Creek and Alaska “tuna” experiences. Both were immersed in the present moment, in God and in their fishing. If you can’t go up to the Newhalen Lodge, at least take a look at Bill’s web-site (www.newhalenlodge.com), say a prayer for him and his family. Let him know that Fr. Fischer wishes this extended family and you (the reader of this article) every blessing you can absorb. And may you give this same energy to others. |
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