Aug 9, 2020 - 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

(1 Kgs 19:9a,11-13a; Rom 9:1–5; Mt 14:22–33)

In this week’s first reading, Elijah has just rebuked powerful leaders in God’s name, and is fleeing for his life as a result. God has miraculously fed him, then directed him to wait for a sign from Him. God sends powerful forces of nature – violent wind, earthquakes, and fire – but Elijah understands that while these are signs of God’s power, it is the gentle whispering voice which God uses to communicate with him.

Likewise, the Gospel reading occurs right after Jesus has fed the crowd miraculously with loaves and fishes. He has withdrawn to the mountain to pray while the disciples go on ahead by boat. Then a great storm springs up, a display of God’s power. The disciples are afraid of the storm, but also afraid when they see Jesus walking toward them on the water! When Jesus calls out “It is I – do not be afraid” He is using words that indicate the Name of God – the Great “I AM” – but also gently reassuring them that he is with them. Now, Peter – impetuous as always – dares to ask Jesus to allow him to walk on the water, too. When Jesus replies “Come,” Peter’s faith allows him to begin his walk to Jesus. It is only when he takes his eyes off Christ to notice the fierceness of the storm, that he begins to sink. Peter supplies an iconic response for all of us, crying out for help when his faith turns from heroic to “little.” Note that Jesus immediately responds, taking Peter’s hand. He will always do the same for us.

• Today’s Gospel shows the disciples caught in a severe storm. What is the worst storm you’ve ever experienced? How did you feel in the midst of it?
• At what point does Jesus rescue Peter? Why does He wait when He can see that Peter is drowning?
• Imagine you are on the boat with the disciples when you see Jesus walking toward you. If He called out to you, what would you do? How would you feel about leaving the boat? Prayerfully consider how Jesus might be asking you to “get out of the boat” and give up control by entrusting something in your life to Him.