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August 11, 2023Confronting our Fears with Jesus
There are a lot of natural disasters and supernatural activities in all the Scripture readings this Sunday. Elijah has climbed a mountain, Mount Horeb, and is trying “to hear” the voice of God. He hears and sees a lot: fires, earthquakes, crushing of rocks, windstorms. He has been told that “the Lord will be passing by.” And then Jesus sends His disciples out in a boat on the Sea of Galilee in the middle of the night and they encounter a fierce storm which, even though they were expert sailors, greatly endangered their lives. Elijah finally “recognizes” the voice of God in a tiny, whispering sound. And Jesus comes walking on the water in the midst of the storm.
The Old Testament stresses again and again that no one can see God or hear His voice and live. Moses went up the mountain to speak and listen to God “face to face” and the poor Israelites saw exactly what Elijah saw: fire and smoke, earthquakes. God “spoke” in thunder, and they were terrified! But now, to Elijah, the all-powerful God speaks gently and whispers. God is preparing us for the time when we can speak to Him and hear His voice without fear.
In the Bible, natural wonders, even natural disasters, lead people to supernatural truths. Our God is an awesome God! Let’s not forget that. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, “the only infinite quality of God which is mentioned in the Creed is omnipotence (“I believe in God the Father almighty!).” Translation: God can do anything He wants, anytime He wants, with anyone He wants!
But the omnipotent God loves us, His children, so much. Like any good father, He does not want His children to be afraid of Him! Even in His omnipotence, He loves each of his children tenderly and personally. Our job is to try to walk this balance between remembering just how big and powerful God is, and remembering just how much He loves us.
“Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.” St. Peter, what are you thinking? Confront your fears “with Jesus.” Do not be afraid of Him but bring your fears to Him and rest in Him. St. Teresa of Avila says it well: “The only mistake we ever make is taking our eyes off of Jesus.”
There are awful storms in our lives, but we have an awesome God.
Fr. Brett Brannen
Pastor
