First reading 1 Kings 19:9,11-13
The Lord was not in the wind, or the earthquake, or the fire
When Elijah reached Horeb, the mountain of God, he went into the cave and spent the night in it. Then he was told, ‘Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord.’ Then the Lord himself went by. There came a mighty wind, so strong it tore the mountains and shattered the rocks before the Lord. But the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake. But the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire. But the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there came the sound of a gentle breeze. And when Elijah heard this, he covered his face with his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
Responsorial Psalm 84(85):9-14
Second reading Romans 9:1-5
I would willingly be condemned if it could help my brothers
What I want to say now is no pretence; I say it in union with Christ – it is the truth – my conscience in union with the Holy Spirit assures me of it too. What I want to say is this: my sorrow is so great, my mental anguish so endless, I would willingly be condemned and be cut off from Christ if it could help my brothers of Israel, my own flesh and blood. They were adopted as sons, they were given the glory and the covenants; the Law and the ritual were drawn up for them, and the promises were made to them. They are descended from the patriarchs and from their flesh and blood came Christ who is above all, God for ever blessed! Amen.
Gospel Matthew 14:22-33
Jesus walks on the water
Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side while he would send the crowds away. After sending the crowds away he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, while the boat, by now far out on the lake, was battling with a heavy sea, for there was a head-wind. In the fourth watch of the night he went towards them, walking on the lake, and when the disciples saw him walking on the lake they were terrified. ‘It is a ghost’ they said, and cried out in fear. But at once Jesus called out to them, saying, ‘Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.’ It was Peter who answered. ‘Lord,’ he said ‘if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.’ ‘Come’ said Jesus. Then Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus across the water, but as soon as he felt the force of the wind, he took fright and began to sink. ‘Lord! Save me!’ he cried. Jesus put out his hand at once and held him. ‘Man of little faith,’ he said ‘why did you doubt?’ And as they got into the boat the wind dropped. The men in the boat bowed down before him and said, ‘Truly, you are the Son of God.’
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Be still and know that God is here
In the first reading, we see Elijah standing at the entrance of a cave on Horeb, drained and afraid, expecting God to reveal Himself dramatically in wind, earthquake, fire, but the Lord comes in a gentle whisper. God’s presence is not noise or spectacle but a quiet nearness that steadies his tired heart. In a world of constant noise, God meets us in the quiet stillness of our lives. His voice often brings peace amid pressure, guiding words from Scripture, gentle reminders of mercy, and convictions that lead to freedom. Today, let us make space for His presence, as He is near us all along.
In the Gospel, amid the strong wind and waves, Jesus comes near to His disciples. He tells them, “Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.” His quiet presence is stronger than the storm. Peter walks on water but sinks when he notices the wind. Jesus immediately reaches out and holds him up, and the sea becomes still. Today, let us fix our eyes on Jesus whenever we feel afraid, take the next small step of trust and let His presence steady our hearts.
Reflective question:
How will I make time and space today to notice His quiet presence?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
