1ST READING
Let us be aware that our God is the God of the unexpected. Just where we expect to find Him, we do not, and precisely where we least expect Him, He reveals Himself. God is not as predictable as we think He is, so let us be open to all possibilities when it comes to discovering His place in our lives and ours in His. Elijah discovers God in the “thin small voice” (this is the better translation of the Hebrew) and not in the raging and powerful winds and storms.
1 Kings 19:9, 11-13
9 At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave where he took shelter. 11 Then the Lord said to him, “Go outside and stand on the mountain before the Lord; the Lord will be passing by.” A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the Lord — but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake — but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12After the earthquake there was fire — but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. 13 When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave.
P S A L M
Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14
R: Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.
8 [9] I will hear what God proclaims; the Lord — for he proclaims peace. 9 [10] Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land. (R) 10 [11] Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. 11 [12] Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. (R) 12 [13]The Lord himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. 13 [14] Justice shall walk before him, and salvation, along the way of his steps. (R)
2nd READING
Paul worries about his fellow Jews who have not accepted the Gospel. We see his seriousness when he says that he would do anything to have them accept the Gospel, even to the point of cutting himself off from it. How desperate Paul is to see the Jews accept the Good News. Then why does he spend most of his energies evangelizing the Gentiles? If the Jews do not want to listen, then he will take his message of salvation to those who will.
Romans 9:1-5
1 Brothers and sisters: I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in bearing me witness 2 that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; 5 theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
GOSPEL
Jesus’ command over the elements demonstrates that He is indeed more than just a prophet. He speaks and even the winds and seas obey Him. We see that Peter recognizes His divinity through these acts. Do you believe the Scriptures are the Word of God? If you do, then reading them is as good as being there at the time the events happened. What do the miracles of Jesus say to you about who He is?
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for his word.
Matthew 14:22-33
22 After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. 25 During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them, walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. 27 At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28 Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 After they got into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”
think: Let us be open to all possibilities when it comes to discovering God’s place in our lives and ours in His.
T O D A Y’S BLESSING LIST
Thank You Lord for: __________________
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God’s special verse/thought for me today_
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READ THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR 2 Maccabees 5-6
SABBATH PAUSE
My weekly time with God
THANK YOU LIST
Things to be grateful for from the past week
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SPECIAL NEEDS
Things to ask God for in the coming week
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HIDDEN TREASURE
Most important word God told me this week
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