Sunday, August 13, 2023
God talks to us in different ways. Just two Sundays ago, we read about God choosing to come to young King Solomon in a dream. In last Sunday’s Gospel, the Transfiguration of the Lord, God came as a voice from a bright cloud overshadowing the high mountain where Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus, Peter, James, and John.
In this Sunday’s Old Testament reading, God calls Elijah to meet Him on Mount Horeb to speak with him. Strong and heavy wind, an earthquake, and fire come but God is not in them. Elijah hears God’s voice in a soft whisper as described in 1 Kings 19:12.
Throughout human history, starting with the first humans, Adam and Eve, God reveals Himself to us in many ways and with each revelation, we learn more about His nature, love, compassion, and faithfulness. We also learn about His plans and desires for us. We can attest to God’s presence, glory, power, order, goodness, and authority in the laws and nature of the physical universe and in every human’s innate ability to discern the difference between right and wrong, good and evil. That capacity instilled in humans by God is what gives mankind a conscience and moral sense. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” (Romans 1:20)
How is God revealed to you? When do you feel His presence in your life? Are there times when you momentarily forget or even question that God is with you?
Peter answered Jesus’ call for discipleship. In Matthew 14:28, he demonstrates his loyalty and faith in Christ by saying: “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” When Jesus tells him to come, Peter’s faith brings him to walk on water. The water was so stormy that it tossed about the disciples’ boat. But the waves and strong wind frightened Peter and he began to sink. He cried out to Jesus to save him.
Have you ever found yourself surrounded by troubled water? Has there been a time in your life when you were able to withstand and get through periods of unspeakable hardships? A time when you felt pain, loss, sorrow, loneliness, or need? Can you look back at that time and think it was your moment of walking on water? Faith in God’s love and His mercy carries us through these times of difficulties. Yet sometimes our surroundings overwhelm us, and we momentarily lose sight of God. We forget that he is right here with us to guide us.
As we get tossed around by life’s waves and strong wind, let us look for God’s voice and guiding light amid the storms.
Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Lord.