Gospel for August 13 2023 – Matthew 14: 22-33
Gospel Reflections for August 13 2023
Finding God in a storm…
In the first reading, Elijah is an Old Testament prophet who learns that God will speak to him soon. Moments later, there is a mighty windstorm, earthquake, and firestorm.
Sounds like God is talking, right? Those were the usual places that ancient people believed God spoke, but our first reading says those days are over. God speaks to Elijah not in frightening natural events, but in a small quiet voice that is personal …and just for him to hear.
Elijah was wise and not distracted by what others said was God’s voice, or all these wild natural events, but kept his attention on the authentic voice of God.
In the Gospel, Peter and the disciples are on a small boat in a large stormy sea. That must have been terrifying. People then were frightened by the sea. Yet, Jesus boldly invites Peter to actually get out of the boat …and even walk on the raging waves …would you have gotten out?
Amazingly, Peter does get out and walks on the water toward Jesus. While He keeps his eyes on Our Lord, he remains afloat, but when he takes notice of the storm and takes his eyes off Jesus …he begins to sink. He should have followed Elijah’s good example!
Windstorms, earthquakes, and firestorms are all natural events. We do not place any special revelation from God in any of these. What God does reveal is the grace and wisdom He provides for your spiritually healthy response to natural challenges.
Our challenges today come from crime, violence, and war that arise from selfish human purposes. They are not from God at all. You will need His grace here as well to never let these sad events distract you from a life of love.
What is remarkable about Elijah and eventually …even Peter, is their having a strong focus on God and His message of love no matter what else was happening, whether windstorm, earthquake, or firestorm.
The world today can be a bewildering place of conflicting news stories, outrageous racist claims and accusations, and even violent threats from rioters and mobs.
You can learn a lot from the example of Elijah and Peter. Never let anything distract you from your focus on God and His love for you. Most especially, never let anything prevent you from showing His love to others, no matter what is going on in our world.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Fr Dave
Thank you for your valuable reminder how to focus and stay in the “Loving”. And keep on discovering our true self.
Peace and love
You are very welcome!
While serving in the US Coast Guard on the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea I endured some mighty rough and Icy Seas. Mountainous Waves making me wonder how they could get that high. Winds blowing at hurricane speeds and Ice forming on the rigging.
It brought to bear what Peter did in getting out of the boat and walking to Jesus on the water.
Hearing what God says requires great listening skills when all this is going on about you. We must pay attention to what Scripture is telling us and follow the path to Everlasting Life.
There is so much beauty, Wonder and Mystery in all that God created around us.
Relish and Enjoy it.
You have a unique history to help you experience this Gospel! Thank you for sharing it.
I never tire of your messages … this message hit the center of the target today for me. THANKS!
You are very welcome!
No matter how big our trials in life,, keep our faith to Him for His mercy and love is endless.
Always trust Him….
Well said. Always trust in Him!
The beauty of showing our loving God’s love to others is that in a precious way God’s love bounces beautifully back to the one giving LOVE!!!Love your precious insights Father Dave!!! You are a precious blessing from our loving God!!! May all the love you give bounce beautifully back to you!!!
Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee, franca and Dick
Thank you!
Thank you for reminding me to be still and listen to God’s voice and the the loud voice of the world!!!
You are very welcome!
Dear Father Dave,
Our son lives on Maui, and his life was spared as was his condo only a short distance away from the devastation. We also have a family condo at Papakea and it, too, was spared. Interestingly, Maria Lanakila church and rectory were uplifted and saved from the devastation surrounding her, complete destruction right up to the property lines.
Maria Lanakila means Our Lady of Victory. So once again, our Blessed Mother was in the middle of catastrophe with her son to point the way to us of Christ in the middle of the storm.
Heartbreaking disaster but I know God has a plan. Lahaina will rebuild. The people will recovery in memory of those lost and shattered lives.
Prayers for all. Dear God, please remember us in our great need.
Love……
Kathleen
Yes, I saw the story of the Lahaina Church that was miraculously spared in the fire. A true miracle! Knowing the meaning of the name makes it even more beautiful and meaningful. Thank for sharing that information. I am also very glad that your son survived as well as your condo.