Dress to God's Word / "Liturgical Dress": 19th Sun. of Ordinary Time

Readings

1 Kgs 19:9a, 11-13a Elijah took shelter in a cave. Lord: “Go outside; the Lord will be passing by.” A strong wind was crushing rocks—but the Lord wasn't in it. Then there was an earthquake—but the Lord wasn't in it. Then there was fire—but the Lord wasn't in it. Then there was a tiny whispering sound; when Elijah heard it, he hid his face and stood at the cave's entrance.

Ps 85:9-14 "Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation." God proclaims peace. Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. Truth shall spring out. The Lord will give his benefits...

Rom 9:1-5 I have great sorrow and anguish; I could wish I were cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, my kindred according to the flesh: Israelites. Theirs is the adoption, glory, covenants, giving of the law, worship, promises, and patriarchs; from them, according to the flesh, is Christ.

Mt 14:22-33 (most of Monday's) Jesus made the disciples get into a boat then went to pray. When waves tossed the boat, he walked on the sea toward them. Seeing him, they were terrified: “It's a ghost!” Jesus / Peter: “Don't be afraid.” / “Lord, if it's you, command me to come to you.” / “Come.” He walked on the water toward Jesus but became frightened and started to sink: “Lord, save me!” Jesus, catching him: “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” They got into the boat, and the wind subsided. “Truly, you're the Son of God.”

Pope Francis

Angelus: Lament the news from Iraq: thousands brutally driven from home, children dying in their flight, women carried off; violence, destruction of patrimony—all gravely offending God and humanity. Thank to those who courageously help these brothers and sisters; I'm confident an effective political solution will be found. I've named Cardinal Filoni as my Personal Envoy in Iraq. / After truce, war has resumed in Gaza, cutting down innocent victims and worsening the Israel/Palestine conflict. Pray through Mary's intercession that the God of peace give us peace in our day, and make us justice- and peace-makers.

Music

Reflections

Creighton: Jesus meets us in the chaos and calls us to calm. We all experience chaos, e.g. in depression, pain, illness, addiction, violence. We may cling to our boat via a coping mechanism (food, drink, TV, shopping?), but they intensify the storm. “Lord, save me!” If fear or hopelessness has immobilized us, we can invite Jesus in (via prayer, examen, family and friends' love, stretching...), so “God and I have become like two giant fat people living in a tiny boat. We keep bumping into each other and laughing.” (Sufi mystic Hafiz)

One Bread One Body: The Lord whispered to Elijah about anointing Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha, and making Elisha his disciple—transforming Israel. The Lord is whispering to you and has prepared you to hear it; listen. Make disciples of your family and friends; as transformed Christians, we transform the world, Spirit-empowered to renew the earth.

Passionist: At the center of a hurricane's storm is a calm, peaceful eye. When I'm in a storm, I need to pray, going into my heart to find the eye. May God be my vision, light my darkness, and help me see through the eyes of faith, resisting the urge to jump in and get things done. Jesus needed and modeled prayer. God whispers in stillness; I need to sit and listen.

DailyScripture.net: These experienced fishermen feared for their lives and were further terrified (vs. joyful/relived) when Jesus walked on water towards them. Peter, impulsive and afraid, didn't despair but called on Jesus. The Lord keeps watch over each of us. Do I look to and cling to him in adversity?

Universalis: (if not Sunday-trumped:) St. Lawrence, deacon, martyred 4 days after Sixtus. Was he really roasted, saying, "Turn me over; I'm done on this side?" Wikipedia and Catholic Encyclopedia weigh in.