Homily:
Nineteenth Sunday Year A
Reading
1: Elijah, the only living prophet in
Israel, confronted the false prophets of Baal with the truth that the God he
worshipped was the only true God. Elijah
had these false prophets killed. Queen Jezebel, who followed the worship of
Baal was furious and sought to kill Elijah. So the prophet fled to the desert.
But
God had other plans for him. He provided food and drink for Elijah in the desert
as he journeyed to the Mountain of God, Horeb.
It was on this mountain that God revealed the Ten Commandments to
Moses. Again, God revealed his plan to
Elijah. In that tiny whispering sound,
Elijah recognized the presence of God. God directed him go and anoint two kings
and his successor, Elisha, as a prophet. This was a defining moment in the
prophet’s life.
What
lesson do we take from this word of God? Sometimes we look for God in the signs
and wonders of life but fail to recognize him in the stillness of silence—that inner
whispering voice ministering to us. What does it take to be attune to this way
of God to us? Elijah was a prophet of God in relationship with God. Elijah was
obedient to God, even when he suffered at the hands of others for the name of
God. It takes discipline to be attentive to the Lord, to discern what is of the
Lord and what is not.
Many
voices, sounds and events can distract us.
In the midst of these, we must learn to hear the voice of God, like a
tiny whispering sound and to act on his message.
Gospel:
Jesus has just fed the 5,000 with a few loaves and fish. He then went up the
mountain to pray, to give thanks to the Father and to be opened to what the Father
wanted him to do. He had sent the disciples by boat to the other side of the
lake. They got caught up in a storm and were struggling to keep afloat.
In
his compassion for them he walked on water to rescue them. In the midst of
their fear, his first assuring words were: “Take courage. Fear not. It is I.”
Not really sure it was Jesus, Peter made a bold statement. “If it is you, let
me come to you on the water.” Jesus’ response: “Come.” Probably with some
hesitation Peter responded by stepping over the side of the boat toward Jesus
over the waters. This took courage and faith to respond to the invitation of
Jesus.
Why
did he begin to sink? He took his eyes off Jesus and began to focus on himself.
He can’t be walking on water; this is humanly impossible. He is a sinner,
unworthy. He has much shame and guilt. He began to sink. What was the saving
grace that prevented him from being engulfed in the waters of despair and
emptiness? He cried out to the Lord in his awareness of his own weakness. Jesus
readily embraced him. His faith in Jesus was still not strong enough to totally
surrender himself into the arms of Jesus. He let his own inadequacies come in
between him and Jesus. Jesus did not reject Peter for his lace of faith and
love, merely challenged him.
Often
God invites us out of our comfort zone to step out in faith, doing that which
is humanly impossible. How strong is our faith? What are the sins and
addictions which distract us and cause us to be frightened? Where are we afraid
to surrender totally in the arms of Jesus, no matter our past? What was
impossible for Peter on his own, namely, walking on water was possible as long
as Peer placed his gaze on the Lord.
Reading
2: This faith relationship with God on Paul’s part brought him to a point where
he recognized what God had done through the chosen people. The greatest gift of
God was the coming of the Christ, God becoming man. Because of his faith, Paul
was willing to sacrifice his life that the Israelites may be saved.
At
the same time there is a deep sorrow in Paul. Though the people were chosen by
God, who revealed himself to them, who entered into covenant with them, blessed
them with the Law, the prophets and the promise, they rejected the Messiah when
he came.
Even
so, Paul’s love and zeal for his people was such that he was willing to sacrifice
himself for them. He was willing to be separated from God if only the chosen
people would turn their hearts back to God.
Do
you love your spouse and your children that much that for their salvation you
would be willing to sacrifice yourself?
