Allowing Ourselves be Touched by the Divine Interventions

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 13, 2023

Readings: 1 Kings 19:9, 11–13; Psalm 85:9–14; Romans 9:1–5; Matthew 14:22–33

   To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here:https://youtu.be/1GFlt_UFETE

In our ordinary everyday lives often life becomes monotonous. As a result, we lose interest in a number of things that we usually do either in the workplace or in our private lives. As a result, it affects terribly in our relationships. Often this sort of lethargy sets into our lives very deeply causing a lot of anguish and fear, a sense of loss and disinterestedness. If one does not pay attention to such symptoms, this would lead to disastrous consequences including loss of health or life itself. The Economic Times newspaper (Aug 11, 2023) carries a short news report saying that 50 years ago the word "burnout" entered the corporate lexicon when Herbert Freudenbeger, a New York psychologist, first identified it. The newspaper report says that burnout is back with a vengeance today. The recent data from Deloitte and the research firm Workplace Intelligence cites half of the workers in the US saying they are either exhausted or stressed and 60 percent of employees say they would consider changing jobs to find better well-being provisions. This situation is no better in India either. Burnout phenomenon can set even in the practice of our faith, family, monastic, religious, priest or in a couple's life as well. The liturgical readings on this 19th Sunday in Ordinary time speak in similar lines, especially in the person of the prophet Elijah suffering a sense of loss of purpose in life. 

1. Divine interventions are unique and special 

In our first reading 1 Kings 19:9, 11–13 we see Prophet Elijah taking shelter on the Mountain of God, Horeb or better-known Mount Sinai. He is running away from the murderer King Ahab and his wicked wife Jezebel. Because these two murdered all the prophets by the sword and now looking for the prophet Elijah to be killed. So Elijah is running for cover. He is tired of doing God's work and finds no meaning as his very life is threatened.  Now he is not only disgusted with what is happening around him moreover, prays for death “Enough, LORD! Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors” (1 Kings 19:4). Elijah had walked for forty days and forty nights to escape from the jaws of death, but now tired and burnt out. At this point at Mount Horeb, Elijah experiences God so closely and intensely in the form of a "tiny whispering sound."

It is really fascinating to see the way the prophet Elijah encounters God on that mountain of God, Horeb. God sends him a variety of signs and symbols but all of them were fake and in them, God was not present. The reality of God was found only in silence and in the cool breeze and not in the fire, earthquake, or strong or heavy wind. It says something important to us. All the burnout, fatigue and tiredness have their own time provided we still trust in the Lord and listen to him. If Elijah did not pay attention to what was happening around him he would have lost the momentous time of cool breeze and the tiny whispering voice. There is a time for everything and that time is controlled by God. This is certain. 

2. Be ready to seek divine presence and manifestation

In these verses, Elijah's experience in the cave reminds us of the moments when we seek spiritual solace and guidance. The question, "What are you doing here?" posed by God, can be seen as an invitation to reflect on our own spiritual journey. This journey is not separated from our historical or actual life.  Just as Elijah sought refuge in the cave, we must seek moments of stillness and introspection to connect with the divine presence. All the dramatic natural phenomena described here– wind, earthquake, and fire – as Elijah waits for God could be part of our lives. Even though they were powerful and awe-inspiring events, God was not present. Instead, it's in the "gentle whisper." This teaches us that the most profound encounters with the divine often come in the quiet and subtle moments when we attune our hearts to listen.

The whisper represents the subtlety of God's voice, which can easily be missed amidst the noise of life. In a world filled with distractions, this passage encourages us to cultivate an attentive and receptive spirit. It's in this state that we can truly hear and understand the messages that God imparts to us. When Elijah heard the whisper he covered his face with a cloak as a response of humility and reverence. The passage illustrates that God cannot be confined to external manifestations or grand displays. While these may capture our attention, they do not encompass the entirety of God's nature. Instead, the whisper emphasizes the intimate, personal, and relational aspects of our connection with the divine.

3. Faith and fear lead to divine interventions

We have a beautiful passage for reflection in the Gospel of Matthew 14:22–33 where it describes the activity of Jesus. The hectic life of preaching and healing of Jesus culminates with a time for silence and prayer. This rich interior disposition toward his Father enables him to do mighty works and wonders. He even has the capacity to walk on the water. He does not need a boat to get into deep waters. The disciples of Jesus find in him a ghost as such an unusual way of crossing the water was impossible for them. The miscalculation of Peter and his weak faith makes him drown in the water. Both faith and fear are essential. The presence of strong wind and the person walking on the waters were beyond their comprehension. These symbolize the challenges and uncertainties of life. It's an opportunity to examine our faith and how we respond to challenges. 

Miracles do happen in our lives. Many a time the extraordinary possibilities faith opens up in our lives, inviting us to step beyond our comfort zones and embrace the unknown. As long as Peter focused on Jesus, he was able to walk on water, but when he shifted his focus to the wind and the waves, doubt crept in and he began to sink. Amidst life's distractions and challenges, we must maintain focus on our faith. Just like Jesus extended his saving hand to Peter, God comes to our aid when our faith falters. The moments of failures and challenges serve as opportunities for growth, deepening our trust in God and refining our faith. Often our faith deepens when we encounter terrible sickness or suffering, loss or failure. 

When our faith is tested, it can empower us to transcend fear and limitations. It encourages us to keep our focus on Jesus, even when things go bad. Peter becomes a different person after this incident of drowning and rescuing. Similarly, we too can find our faith growing as we navigate the storms of life. Through prophet Elijah's experience we can learn to give place for solitude and silence. It emphasizes the value of spending time alone with God. This highlights the significance of retreating from the busyness of life to find moments of solitude and silence. We need those moments in our ordinary moments of life – in the quiet whispers, in moments of stillness, and in the depths of our hearts where the divine presence can be found.

Questions for reflections:

1. How do I typically respond when faced with challenges and uncertainties in life?
2. In what ways has faith helped me overcome moments of fear and doubt? Can I recall a specific instance?
3. Do I find myself easily distracted by external circumstances or worries, like Peter's focus on the wind and waves?
4. What practices or habits can help me center my thoughts and attention on what truly matters?
5. How can I cultivate a greater awareness of God's presence and willingness to help in times of struggle?

Prayer based on Psalm 85

Gracious Creator and Lord, in Your abundant love, You offer guidance and peace to those who seek You. We rejoice in the promise of salvation, and we too find solace in Your unfailing mercy. Thank You for the promise of Your salvation, the assurance of Your love, and the joy that comes from walking in Your ways. Lord, we ask that You speak wisdom into our hearts, guiding our steps along the path of righteousness. Help us to listen to Your voice amidst the noise of the world, that we may turn our ears to the whispers of Your truth.

Let Your truth spring up within us like a well-watered garden, nurturing our spirit and transforming our thoughts. Grant us the grace to sow seeds of kindness and love in the fields of my interactions. May our actions reflect Your grace, fostering peace and harmony in the world around us. We surrender our hearts to You, O Lord, and pray that You continually mold us into an instrument of Your grace. In the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, we offer this prayer with a heart full of gratitude and hope.  Amen.

- Olvin Veigas, SJ
11 August 2023