Lord, save me!

In this week's readings we hear several stories about God's revealing Himself to people through pretty incredible means. First, we hear of Elijah encountering God as God passes by him. The story goes that there are all kinds of large and awesome events that happen, but God is not present in those things. However, when Elijah hears "a tiny whispering sound" we are told he "hid his face in his cloak." Elijah, one of the greatest prophets in the Old Testament, was close enough to the Lord to know that God was present in the quiet and not in the big showy things. And in encountering him, he shows great humility by covering his face.

In the Gospel, we have a very different occasion. Jesus comes to his disciples walking on water as the boat they are in is "being tossed about by the waves." As he approaches, the disciples are filled with awe and amazement, but instead of recognizing God, they are terrified, thinking it's a ghost. Only after Jesus assures them it is he does Peter step forward, saying "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water." Jesus invites him forward, and Peter for a moment enters into this incredible experience.

But then disaster strikes: the wind picks up, and Peter is again afraid. Finally, in a moment of humility and recognition of his need, he cries out “Lord, save me!” And then Jesus reaches out his hand and saves Peter from going under the waves.

How often are we more like Peter and the disciples and not like Elijah? How often is the Lord clearly before us and we fail to recognize because we are afraid or are too focused on what we think he should be like? Elijah shows us that the more we come to know the Lord, through prayer, through participation in the sacraments, through the reading of Scripture, the better we will be able to recognize him in even the smallest of things.

Let us pray this week that our hearts may grow in their desire and ability to know God. May we recognize him both in the big flashy things and in the small whispers. And may we, like Elijah and like Peter, respond with humility and respect when we are given the great privilege to encounter Him.

Want to prepare your heart and mind for Mass this weekend? Click here to find the readings for this Sunday's Mass.