Reflection for 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time
First Reading: 1 Kings 19:9A, 11-13A
Second Reading: Romans 9:1-5
Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33
Do you think that we live in a “noisy world”? I imagine you would respond “yes”! In fact, we are surrounded by noise: radio, television, traffic, construction etc. How can we hear the voice of our Lord Jesus Christ in the midst of all this noise?
Our 1st reading tells us that our God speaks to us in a “tiny whispering sound”, as he spoke to Elijah. God speaks to us in the thoughts of our mind, through a friend, but most passionately at Mass. We do not come to Mass to observe, but to participate, which is why we say that “we assist at Mass”. In our very actions and words of worship, we hear God speak to us…in our hymns, in the Scriptures and especially in the Eucharist that we receive.
Our gospel story tells us how Peter, motivated by his love for Jesus, finds himself doing the impossible, walking on water! The same thing happened to Peter that happens to us, as soon as we take our eyes off of Jesus, we sink – sink into anxiety, fear or any of a host of sins. When the storms of life start raging in our lives, how do we react? Do we instinctively run to Jesus? Rather, do we complain, lose patience, wonder where God is and ask why do I have these problems?
The question we ask: how can I be more trusting – trusting that Jesus will be with me, guiding me through the storms of life? The answer is found in one’s relationship with Jesus Christ. Think about any important relationship in your life – it takes energy, effort and commitment and a growing trust to sustain and develop a relationship – so it is with our Lord Jesus Christ.
Consider the words of St. Augustine: “My love is the true “gravity” of my person, if my love looks downward, is attached to earthly things, it will sink by its own weight like a rock in water, but if my love yearns for God, it will rise, likewise by its own weight, like a flame seeking the heights.”
May God bless us all always!
Deacon Mike