Daily Readings - Sun Aug 09 2020
1 Kings
9There he went into a cave and spent the night. And the word of the LORD came to him: "What are you doing here, Elijah?"11The LORD said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by." Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake.12After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.13When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"
Romans
1I speak the truth in Christ--I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit--2I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.3For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race,4the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises.5Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.
Matthew
22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,24but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."29"Come," he said.30Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!"31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"32And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down.33Then those who were 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.