Nineteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year A
August 13, 2023 10:30 AM
Saint Cecilia Catholic Community, Palm Springs, CA
Deacon Sharon Kay Talley
I Kings 19:9A;11-13A | Psalm 85:9-14
Romans 9:1-5 | Matthew 14:22-33
+In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, AMEN.
Life has a way of bringing storms. Sometimes, they come suddenly…a serious illness…the loss of a loved one…financial hardships…family conflicts…or uncertainty about the future. Other times, the storms are within us, such as anxiety, loneliness, disappointment, or the feeling that God is silent and not listening to our prayers.
Today’s readings speak directly to these situations.
In our first reading from The Book of First Kings, the prophet Elijah is exhausted. He has worked tirelessly for God, yet he feels like a failure. So he flees into the wilderness and comes to Mount Horeb where he hopes to encounter God. God speaks to him and tells him to stand on the mountain while God passes by.
Then a mighty wind tears through the mountain. Next, an earthquake shakes the ground. Finally, a fire blazes. Yet the Lord is in none of these dramatic events. Instead, Elijah encounters God in a tiny whispering sound, the still, gentle voice.
How often do we expect God to act with spectacular miracles or unmistakable signs! Yet more often than not, God speaks quietly…in prayer…in the Scriptures…in the Eucharist…through the encouragement of a friend…through the voice of our conscience, or in moments of silence. The problem is not that God is absent, it is that our lives are often too busy to hear Him.
The Gospel from Matthew presents another storm. The disciples are struggling against strong winds while in a boat in the middle of the sea. They have been rowing for hours, making little progress. They are tired, frightened, and alone…or so they think.
Then Jesus comes toward them walking on the water. At first, they mistake Him for a ghost. Fear clouds their vision. Isn’t that the case in our own lives? Fear can prevent us from recognizing that Jesus is already present with us. We assume He has abandoned us, when in fact, He is closer than ever!
Jesus immediately speaks words that echo throughout Scripture:
“Take courage…It is I. Do not be afraid.”
These are not simply comforting words. They are words of divine assurance. Jesus identifies Himself as the Lord, who has authority over the wind, the waves, and every force that threatens us.
Peter responds to Him with remarkable courage. “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
Jesus replies, “Come.”
Then Peter steps out of the boat. As long as his eyes remain fixed on Jesus, he walks on water. But when he notices the strength of the wind, fear takes over and he begins to sink.
How often this is our own story! We begin with faith. We trust God. But then we become overwhelmed by the storms around us. We focus more on the waves than on the One who rules the sea. Doubt replaces confidence.
Yet the most beautiful moment in this Gospel comes next. Peter cries out, “Lord save me”. Immediately, Jesus stretches out His hand and catches Peter.
Please note that Jesus does not wait for Peter to swim back. He does not lecture him while he is drowning. He reaches our immediately.
That is our hope. Whenever we sincerely cry, “Lord, save me!” Jesus reaches out to us with mercy. He may not remove every storm instantly, but He never lets us face it alone.
But there is another important lesson in today’s Gospel. Peter had to leave the safety of the boat before he could experience the miracle. Faith is not merely believing that Jesus exists; faith is trusting Him enough to step forward when He calls us.
Sometimes, Jesus asks us to step out in forgiveness when we have been hurt. Sometimes He asks us to begin again after failure. Sometimes e invites us to serve others despite our limitations, or to speak the truth with love, or to follow a vocation that seems beyond our abilities.
We cannot walk on water while seated comfortably in the boat!
In our second reading from Romans, St. Paul expresses deep sorrow for his own people who have not recognized Jesus. His love for them reminds us that authentic faith always leads to compassion for others. A Christian never stops praying for those who have drifted away from God.
Today’s Scripture readings have us ask ourselves three questions:
1) What storm am I facing today? Instead of allowing fear to dominate, bring that storm to Jesus.
2) Am I listening for God’s gentle voice? Make time, each day, for silence, prayer, and listening.
3) Where is Jesus asking me to step out in faith? Is there a ministry to begin, or a trust that needs to be renewed, or a wound that needs to heal?
As we celebrate the Eucharist today, we come to the same Jesus who walked across the sea and stretched out His hand to Peter. In the Eucharist, He comes to strengthen us with His own life. He continues to say to each one of us:
“Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid.”
Amen