Sunday Reflection – 13 August 2023

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Also Read: Mass Readings for 13 August 2023 Homily for 13 August 2023 – Sunday

First Reading: First Kings 19: 9a, 11-13a

¹² And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence.

The Lord spoke in the sound of sheer silence! There was a wind, an earthquake, and a fire before that; but God was not in those. God was in the silence. Today, we may be going through a storm, an earthquake, or even a fire spiritually, emotionally, or mentally! But we are reminded that after all of it passes away; comes the sheer silence of the Lord! God seems to be telling us that He is found in the quiet stillness, be it in our hearts, homes, our world, our churches, et al! Indeed God’s kingdom appears to be coming quietly once again, as it did 2000 years ago! Can we hear and recognize God in silence? A little practice to develop our spiritual ears could be done when we suddenly awaken in the middle of the night! At that hour, the world around us is still and in darkness. If we train ourselves, we might be blessed to hear a slice of what Elijah would have heard!

In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 85: 9-14

⁹Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him, that his glory may dwell in our land.

Amen!

Second Reading: Romans 9: 1-5

 ⁵ to them (the Israelites) belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

Unlike the Israelites, may we know when we are called and follow Him? Amen!

Gospel: Matthew 14: 22-33

²⁷ But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”

In the midst of our storms, Jesus is saying to us, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”!! Do we still doubt? Do we ask the Lord like Peter, to help us walk on the raging waters? We can and we will! If only we have a little faith! Ask in Jesus’ name and it will be given! Amen!

Alleluia, Amen!