AMID THE STORM
1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:22-33
We are amid a great storm in our lives – inflation and unemployment; hatred and intolerance; natural disasters and violent conflict in several parts of the world. Many of us are overwhelmed.
The readings of today feature people who are overwhelmed by events in their lives. Amid an overwhelming chaos, they experience God’s abiding presence.
The first reading features Elijah who fled into the desert to escape the wrath of Jezebel. There he encountered an angel who comforted him and gave him food. Strengthened by that encounter, he journeyed forty days to Horeb, where he faces more chaos: a strong wind, an earthquake, a fire. Then he experiences the presence of God in “a tiny whispering sound”. Elijah’s flight to Mount Horeb ends with an encounter with God.
Paul (second reading) is overwhelmed with sorrow that his fellow Jews had not accepted Christ. His faith is steadied by recalling God’s irrevocable gifts to Israel.
The gospel portrays the disciples caught in a terrible storm which swamps their boat. When they are in disarray, there is more chaos and fear—for they think they see a ghost. It is Jesus who reassures them: “It is I (literally I am); do not be afraid.” These words would have evoked memories of Yahweh’s revelation to Moses (Exodus 3:14). The disciples’ crossing to the other side, interrupted by a destructive storm, ends with an encounter with God.
When destructive forces assail me, let me walk on like Elijah; when the storms of life engulf me, let me keep battling them like the disciples. The Lord is with me to sustain me. And at some point, perhaps when I reaches the “depths”, I will encounter him. I will hear those reassuring words: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” May the storms of my life cease with an encounter with God. Then, like Elijah and Peter, may I walk on.
