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Today's readings call into
question our expectations of what it is like when God's kingdom breaks
into our lives. In the first reading the prophet Elijah was promised a
revelation of God's glory. Several tremendous and terrifying events
occurred but God was not to be found in these manifestations. It
was in a tiny whispering wind that Elijah recognized the glory of the
Lord.
In our second reading Paul laments the fact that his Jewish brothers and
sisters had not recognized Jesus as their long-awaited Messiah. When the
promise of generations was fulfilled the Jews did not accept their
Messiah because he did not meet their expectations.
In the gospel the disciples have just witnessed the multiplication of
the loaves and fishes. The people wanted to proclaim Jesus as
their king. In order to quell the crowd, Jesus sent the disciples across
the lake in their boat, while he retired up the mountain to pray. In the
early hours of the morning the disciples were caught up in a storm. From
the distance Jesus saw their plight and came to them over the waters.
Peter was the first to recognize Jesus. With characteristic
impulsiveness
Peter got out of the boat and began to walk over to the Lord. When he
perceived how strong the wind was, Peter began to sink. It was then,
Matthew tells us, that Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter.
This gospel passage tells us a great deal about the peoples'
relationship to the Lord. First of all, the crowd wanted to make Jesus
their bread-king. It is much easier to follow a cosmic Santa than it is
to follow the living-God. Jesus rejected their desire to make him king
and he sent the disciples away before they were caught up in the madness
as well. Instead of indulging in the accolades of the crowd, Jesus went
off to pray and to be with his Father.
When the disciples were caught in the storm Jesus noticed their plight
and came to their assistance. So often we believe that we endure our
struggles alone. We don't think that Jesus notices or cares about our
problems. Jesus gave us a wonderful example. Whenever there is trouble,
go to the Father.
When Peter's faith weakened,
the Lord was there to lift him up. In all the storms and difficulties of
our lives we need to remember that the Lord is there for us. We need
only turn to him. |
