19th Sunday of Ordinary Time
1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a | Ps 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14 | Rom 9:1-5 | Mt 14:22-33
Millions of words, poems, and songs have been written about love, but do we really consider the components of this emotion? Today’s readings encouraged me to ponder the emotion of love, and its many aspects; among the ideas which came to mind, I settled on the need to trust. Trust underscores each of today’s readings.
In our first reading for today, Elijah has sheltered in a cave when God tells Elijah he’ll be passing by. Now God, the Almighty is coming, so we can expect trumpets, bands, and crowds, but only “heavy winds”-no God. Then earthquakes-no God, next came fire, still no God, yet Elijah trusted, and then in “a tiny whispering wind-Elijah found God! And Elijah’s trust was rewarded. I’m reminded of the words, “Be still and know that I am God.” God comes to us quietly when we least expect such a visit.
The Responsorial Psalm provides a key to finding God in our everyday lives. Probably we’ll not see God but we can discover Him in acts of kindness. When we love in peace, go to sleep in our beds, go about our daily lives worry-free; God is present! Do we remember to be grateful?
St. Paul in our second reading, inspired and aflame with love for his people, trusted God’s mercy when he was willing to “be cast off from Christ for the sake of the people.” This certainly implies trust that God will act before implementing Paul’s wish!
The Gospel is such a lesson in love! We find Jesus along in communion with his Father while His followers are aboard a boat. Then a terrible storm arises, and who wants to be on the water in a storm? Jesus appears walking on the water! Peter lovingly wishes to join Him, so Peter steps out of the boat, takes a step, but begins to sink! How quickly his trust evaporates (and most likely so would mine!). Luckily for Peter, Jesus is right there, yet he asks, “Why did you doubt?” How greatly do you trust Jesus? Ponder your response.
“Lord increase my faith and trust.”.
Sr. Miriam Catherine Nevins, OP
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