God is Faithful ~ by Ronnie Archer

In today's first reading, we hear about the troubled Elijah, who needed a word from the Lord. Elijah had word from Jezebel's messenger that his life was in danger because of his stand against the false prophets of Baal. Elijah was afraid, and in desperation, fled for his life. After a day's journey into the desert, he fell asleep. He was touched by an angel twice, who ordered him to eat and be strengthened for his journey ahead.

Elijah did as he was told. He walked forty days and nights to the mountain of Horeb. After telling God why he was there, the Lord told him to go out and stand on the mountain because the Lord would be passing by. There was a strong, destructive wind, but the Lord was not in the wind. Then an earthquake and a fire; God was in neither. After the fire, there was a soft whispering sound... then Elijah recognized the voice of the Lord.

In today's second reading, the Apostle Paul expresses his love for the chosen people of God; as well as his great sorrow and concern for their lack of knowledge of Christ and the benefits that come with being a true follower of Christ.

Today's Gospel gives the account of Jesus, who after a busy day, told the disciples to take the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He dismissed the crowds. When the crowds had dispersed, Jesus went up on the mountain alone to pray. The boat with the disciples was hundreds of yards away from shore, and was being tossed about by the wind and waves.

During the nighttime, Jesus came walking towards them on the water. The disciples were terrified; they thought He was a ghost, and in fear cried out. Jesus told them "It is I, do not be afraid!" Peter doubting, asked Jesus to tell him to come to Him on the water. When Peter began to walk, feeling how strong the wind was, was frightened, crying out, "Lord, save me!" Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, saying "What little faith you have; why did you doubt?" The other disciples showed Jesus reverence, saying "Truly, You are the Son of God."

There might be times in our lives when there seems to be no hope, no solution to our problems. Life sometimes seems merciless and harsh, and we feel discouraged when there seems to be no way out. We might feel tired, especially when we feel that we are carrying the weights of life, doing all that we know how to do; feeling like we are staying on the right path, but still not succeeding.

God spoke to Elijah in the "whispering sound", Sometimes we have to go to be alone so we can hear God speak to us; we will not hear God if we are too busy or noisy to really listen. There's a time to talk and also a time to be quiet and listen. Sometimes we are so "set" in our ways that we cannot see a better way. When we listen, we'll hear God speak.

We should remember God's love and faithfulness through the "benefits" in the Romans' reading, of following His Son, Jesus Christ... "the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the worship, the promises, etc."

Many of us are "tossed around" by the ferocious winds of life. We have to call on the Lord as Peter did, when he was in trouble. When God steps into a situation, things begin to change for the better. When God steps in, good becomes better and better becomes best.

Sometimes when we pray, there still may be some doubt, as was with Peter. When such thoughts creep into our mind, we need to cry out to God to help us to dismiss them.

There are times when we need to just listen... when God is telling us to rest. Take warning from our body. We need to set aside time to nurture ourselves. It is most important to do that, so we will have enough to nurture others.

God is faithful, He never disappoints, but we have to learn to listen when He speaks to us.


~ Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~