Daily Readings - Sun Aug 13 2023
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 powerful moments of encounter with God, each inviting us to reflect on how we listen, trust, and respond to His presence in our lives. In the first reading, Elijah, fleeing from the turmoil of his mission, finds himself on Mount Horeb. The Lord is not in the dramatic wind, earthquake, or fire, but in the gentle whisper that follows. This reminds us that God often speaks in the stillness, inviting us to quiet our hearts and listen deeply. Elijah’s experience teaches us that true discernment requires patience and openness to God’s subtle presence.
The Gospel offers a complementary lesson through Peter’s encounter with Jesus on the water. Jesus, walking calmly amidst the storm, invites Peter to step out of the boat in faith. Peter’s initial courage quickly gives way to doubt as he focuses on the turbulent waves rather than the Lord. Yet, even in his faltering, Jesus reaches out, saving him and reminding him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” This moment speaks to us about the importance of trusting in God’s presence, even when the world around us seems chaotic. Like Peter, we are called to keep our eyes fixed on Christ, even when the winds of doubt and fear assail us.
Both Elijah and Peter’s stories find a bridge in Paul’s heartfelt words in the second reading. Paul’s deep sorrow for his kinsmen who have not yet come to faith in Christ reflects a love that mirrors God’s own desire for all people to be saved. His willingness to endure hardship for the sake of others reminds us that our faith is not just about personal relationship with God but also about sharing His love with others. Like Paul, we are called to intercede for those who have not yet encountered Christ, trusting that God’s whisper can reach even the hardest of hearts.
As we reflect on these readings, let us ask ourselves: Where are the “storms” in our lives? Are we like Elijah, seeking God in the noise, or are we willing to listen for the gentle whisper? Are we like Peter, stepping out in faith but faltering when the waves crash? Or are we like Paul, willing to bear the burdens of others in love? May we learn to trust in God’s presence, even in the midst of turmoil, and may we share His love with a world in need of His gentle whisper.