Walking with Jesus: 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

For Sunday, August 13, 2023

1 Kings 19:9, 11-13; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:22-33

A reflection on today’s readings: Where do I find God in my life today? Do I find Him just in Church? In people? Does God speak to me? How can I listen to God? What do I listen for?

Today the disciples are on their boat in the Sea of Galilee when a strong storm comes up. They see Jesus walking on the water and they are terrified. In a sudden burst of strength and courage, Peter climbs out of the boat and, following Jesus’ command, walks on the water toward Him. Peter becomes frightened and starts to sink and yells for help. The Lord reaches out His hand and saves him from drowning. Jesus then calms the storm, which dies down at His command. When He boards the boat, the disciples give Him reverence by giving Him praise and deep respect. Their fear, courage, worship and adoration mimic ours in so many ways. More than just words and needs, their response is the foundation of strengthening our faith and relationship with God through Jesus. What are my needs? Do I go to God when they seem too much for me to handle? Or do I go only when I can’t reinforce my powers within? We have gathered as a community to listen to these readings. Expectations vary with each person. We have needs we mentally vocalize. Do any — or many — hear God’s voice? If so, how many are surprised and thankful, and how many dismiss God’s activity?

Chapter 19 of Kings depicts Elijah’s flight from Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab. He has just slit the throats of 400 Baal prophets because they have not been faithful to the covenant God made with Israel. Terrified, Elijah runs quickly and, hopefully, far away to avoid the jealous anger of Jezebel. He finally arrives at Mt. Horeb, expecting to see God for comfort and affirmation of his journey. Nothing happens — there is no celestial display from God. How often we expect God’s answer to our prayers in a similarly dramatic way. Finally there is a tiny whisper of wind perhaps just brushing Elijah’s face. It is God. How often do I wonder whether God is present in my life? Do I expect a booming alarm announcing His presence? This “tiny whispering sound” is what Elijah feels. That’s God — always present, always alert to what’s happening, always caring for me when I feel anxious, forgotten and afraid. God created me in love. Should I fear that He could leave me alone, not caring for His loving child? Let us listen and reflect on God’s love and care.

Paul addresses this same theme to the Romans over their failure to accept Jesus and His gospel. They also are not living in God’s love or under His direction. God’s ways have not changed; we are His people. Jesus has freed us and acquitted us from sin. God has reconciled us to Himself. He has given us the sanctifying gift of the Holy Spirit which is our assurance of life forever with Him. Paul is reminding the Romans of the gifts their ancestors received during their sojourn in the desert with Moses. God has not rejected the Jewish people or us. God remains faithful, holding out His hand and encouraging us to come and follow Him and His love to eternity.

The Gospel continues to reinforce God’s ongoing relationship with us, His people. Like the boat being tossed around on the stormy sea, we are the objects of storms created by Satan to dislodge us from Jesus. Matthew is describing this to help keep the followers in his little church from being battered by hostile opponents; namely, fellow Jewish family members and friends. In the midst of these and other persecutions, Jesus remains present to His Church.

The disciples already have headed out to sea; a storm is brewing. Sometime between 3 and 6 a.m. Jesus appears walking on the water, telling them, “take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” [Matthew 14:27] “We see a ghost,” the disciples say, not recognizing Jesus. In what places, events or situations do I feel Jesus won’t help me? Jesus has power over the sea and all the forces of nature. Peter responds, “If it is You …” [Matthew 14:28] Having faith, Peter jumps into the water and then unmistakably doubts the authority and care of Jesus, and begins to sink. The lesson here is to stay focused on Jesus. Let's look at the scene: IF Peter had stayed focused, he would never have left the boat in the first place; but He does, and Jesus stretches out His hand. He does this to us and for us each day. Today the Church continues to face many struggles, some of which are crises strong enough to drive people away. Do we have faith in Jesus’ presence, guidance and love? What can be done? “Take courage, do not be afraid, it is I … have faith … trust in My love.”

So I reflect on:

• Which storms threatening me — the Church, the country, the world — are most in need of Jesus’ power and mercy? Am I praying in each area?
• Where have I wavered in faith? Did someone come to me in the storm? Am I grateful? Did I praise God?

Sacred Space 2023 states:

“I can rely too much on myself and, like Peter, lose sight of where I am going. Help me, Jesus, to keep my eyes fixed on You and to trust that You reach out to me, offering me loving help.”