The First Reading of today’s Mass (1 Kings 19:11-13) presents the prophet Elias who, fatigued and disheartened by many trials, seeks refuge in a cave on Mount Horeb, the holy mountain where God showed himself to Moses. There, Elias was told: Go out and wait for the Lord. A powerful hurricane passed shattering mountains and destroying boulders. A mighty earthquake and fires followed, but God was not to be found in the hurricane or in the earthquake or in the fire. Then a soft breeze passed - like a whisper - and God was there. In this way, God expressed his mysterious spirituality and his gentle benevolence towards the weakness of man. Elias now felt strengthened for the new mission that our Lord wanted him to fulfill.

The Gospel (Matt 14:22-33) tells of one of the tempests the Apostles experienced when our Lord was not with them in the boat. It occurred after the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. The Lord instructed them to set out for the opposite shore while He sent the people off, for it was already quite late. From the top of a hill where he was recollected in prayer, He did not forget his disciples. He could see that a strong wind was blowing against them. Our Lord saw them struggling with the waves and gale-force wind trying to reach the place He had suggested. Finishing his prayer, he sets out to help them.

During the fourth quarter of the night Jesus nears the boat; it was being buffeted by the waves and in danger of capsizing. The Gospel tells us that the disciples were filled with fear as they saw Jesus approaching, walking on the turbulent waters. They thought He was a ghost. Saint Mark, who recorded this unforgettable moment as recounted to him by Saint Peter, writes that Jesus walked past them as if to continue on his way. They all began to shout. Jesus then came closer and said: Have confidence; it is I, do not fear. These were consoling words that we too have often heard – many times and in different ways – in the intimacy of our heart when faced with a disconcerting situation, or in difficulties or trying times.

If our life is the fulfillment of what God wants for us – like Elias who goes to Mount Horeb at God’s command, or the Apostles who do as Jesus said even though the wind was against them – then divine help will never be lacking. In moments of weakness, of fatigue, in the most difficult situations, Jesus shows himself and tells us: it is I, do not fear. He never fails his friends (cf St Teresa, Life, 11:4).

If we have no other goal in life but to seek his friendship and serve him, how could He ever abandon us when the winds of temptation, of fatigue, of difficulties in the apostolate go against us? He will not pass us by and go on his way. If you have confidence in him and a cheerful disposition – His Majesty is quite partial to this – do not be afraid of lacking any thing (idem, Foundations, 27:12). What could we possibly lack if we are his friends in the middle of the world, if we want to follow him day after day among all those others who abandon him? # # #

With permission from Scepter UK.  Short excerpt from IN CONVERSATION WITH GOD by Francis Fernandez.  

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