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

Presence

In the first reading the prophet Elijah is told that God will be present to him. He is to stand outside his cave and wait. While he waits, he experiences a strong, damaging wind, an earthquake, and fire. It is only when he hears a tiny, whispering sound that he knows God is with him.

How do we experience God? For some it is the beauty of nature that reveals God as creator. For others it is the love and care they receive from others, mirroring the actions of Jesus. For some it is like the whispering wind around them when they spend time in quiet prayer.

In the gospel for Sunday, the disciples of Jesus experience Jesus in a miraculous way. After feeding the five thousand (last Sunday’s gospel) Jesus tells the disciples to go to the other side of the lake in their boat while he goes off to take time in quiet prayer.

While Jesus is praying, the disciples are experiencing a rough sea. Soon the disciples see Jesus walking on the sea and they become terrified believing they see a ghost. Then Jesus speaks to them saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

After they got into the boat, the wind died down.   
Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying,
“Truly, you are the Son of God.” 

Peter wanted a sign that it really was Jesus who was coming to them. Are we like Perter who wants a sign that God is real, God is present? Many of us can identify with Peter because of our own doubts or weak faith. Hopefully, at some point in our lives we can come to believe the words, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”

The Gospel Acclamation should give us hope, “I wait for God; my soul waits for God’s word.” This can happen if we, like Jesus, take time for prayer and reflection, listen to God’s word, take time to ponder it, and then make it an integral part of our lives. This will lead us closer to the presence of God that is already within and around us. God is always with us. It is we who distance ourselves from God by making other people and things primary.

Have there been times when you have failed to recognize God’s presence during the storms of your life?

In what ways can you make prayer and reflection a daily practice in your life?