Daily Readings - Sun Aug 09 2020
1 Kings
9There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"11And he said, "Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD." And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.12And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper.13And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
Romans
1I am speaking the truth in Christ--I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit--2that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.3For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh.4They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises.5To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.
Matthew
22Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds.23And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,24but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them.25And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea.26But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, "It is a ghost!" and they cried out in fear.27But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid."28And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."29He said, "Come." So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus.30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, "Lord, save me."31Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"32And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased.33And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, "Truly you are the Son of God."
Sermon
In today's readings, we encounter three distinct yet interconnected narratives that invite us to reflect on our relationship with God. The first reading from 1 Kings describes Elijah's experience in a cave, where God's presence is not in the dramatic wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a gentle whisper. This teaches us to seek God in stillness and quiet reflection, reminding us that His presence is often found in the subtle moments of life.
The second reading from Romans reveals Paul's deep sorrow for his Jewish kinsmen who have not accepted Christ. His willingness to be cut off from Christ for their sake exemplifies selfless love and concern for others' spiritual well-being. This passage encourages us to pray fervently for those who have not yet encountered God's love, demonstrating the depth of Christian compassion.
In the Gospel, Matthew recounts the story of Jesus walking on water. Amidst a storm, Jesus reassures his disciples, and Peter's attempt to walk on water highlights the struggle between faith and doubt. When Peter falters, Jesus rescues him, teaching us to trust in God's presence and guidance, even in turbulent times.
These readings collectively remind us to cultivate faith, trust, and love. Like Elijah, we must listen for God's whisper; like Paul, we must pray with compassion; and like Peter, we must trust in Jesus' saving grace. In our daily lives, let us seek God in stillness, pray for others with sincerity, and trust in His providence, even when faced with doubt and challenges. May we deepen our faith, knowing that God is always with us, guiding us through life's storms.