Gospel Reading: Matthew 14:22-33
Elijah found what so many of us are seeking: the presence of God in our lives. And where does he find it? Where do we find God’s Presence? Not in the busyness of everyday life, not in the crowds, the noise, the chaos that so often surrounds this busy world of ours, but in the quiet, in the silence, in the time we take away to step back, move away from our hectic lives and sit in stillness.
But that takes purpose, it takes discipline, it takes priority! Do I really want to be present to the God whom I claim to believe in? What will happen if I really open my heart, my very life to LISTEN for God’s voice? So often people say God doesn’t answer prayer, but could it be that we are simply not listening?
The image of the wind comes back in Matthew’s Gospel. This time Jesus comes in the chaos of that windy storm. Again, it was the strong wind that overpowered faith and trust. Peter’s bravado was soon overcome, and he fell in despair. Jesus did not leave him in that despair but reached out and assured him of His Presence and the peace that comes from letting God take charge. Peter had to “let go and let God” if he was to survive.
How does something like that play out in my own life? Do I take the time in stillness to fix my eyes on God or do I let the hectic pace of my life drown my focus? How much do I really trust that my God not only knows what is best for me, but also assures me that, if I truly trust, God will calm my fears, my doubts, my insecurity?
And the end to that story is PEACE.
Sister Catherine Fedewa, CSFN
