In our first reading today from 1 Kings 19:9a,11-13a, Elijah encounters God on “the mountain of God, Horeb.” He does not find God in a burning bush like Moses did when he stood on the same mountain. He does not find God in “a strong and heavy wind,” or “crushing rocks,” or “an earthquake.” Elijah encounters God in “a tiny whispering sound.” Elijah must have been very quiet and still to hear the Lord passing by.
Today’s gospel, Matthew 14:22-33, gives us a different version of an encounter with God. Peter and the disciples are caught in a terrible storm while crossing the Sea of Galilee in a boat. They see Jesus coming “toward them walking on the sea” and they are terrified. They think he is a ghost. For a reality check, Peter says, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus says, “come,” and Peter jumps in to the water, becomes frightened and begins to sink. He is rescued by Jesus who gets him back in the boat, the wind dies down and the disciples declare Jesus is truly the Son of God.
A simple comparison of these two readings could lead us to believe that Elijah is cool, calm and collected while Peter is impetuous, foolhardy and a coward. However, if we read the entire chapter of 1 Kings 19, we learn that Elijah is a man on the run. Jezebel, the queen of Israel, wants him dead. He is cowering in that cave on Mt. Horeb. Elijah is in big trouble, he’s frightened and he cries out "This is enough, O LORD! Take my life….” But God had other plans for Elijah just as he had other plans for Peter.
We all have times in our lives when we need a reality check. Our reality as Christians is our belief that God is always present to us. We do not need moments of crisis or moments of great ecstasy to see or hear God speaking to us although we all experience times like these. God speaks to us in scripture, in sacraments and in liturgy. God speaks to us as we do the ordinary things that make up our daily lives. The Psalmist sums it up in Psalm 46: 9-12, “The LORD of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob. Come and see the works of the LORD, who has done fearsome deeds on earth…Who says: ‘Be still and confess that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.’ The LORD of hosts is with us; our stronghold is the God of Jacob.”
Father,
Your love never fails.
Hear our call.
Keep us from danger
and provide for all our needs.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your son,
Who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God, for ever and ever.
Amen
