When the Storm Comes, Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time — Year A

We often think of the prophets as strong, fearless men—men who stood boldly before kings and nations and never seemed afraid. But that is far from the truth.

The prophets were men of flesh and blood, just like us. They had their weaknesses, struggles, and fears. The difference was that their struggles often took place in the spotlight. God called them to speak the truth, sometimes to people who did not want to hear it. And speaking the truth often came at a price.

Elijah was certainly no timid man.

Not long before the scene we hear about in today’s first reading, Elijah had confronted the prophets of the false god Baal on Mount Carmel. After God answered Elijah’s prayer by sending fire from heaven, Elijah had the 450 prophets of Baal seized and put to death.

This was a man of tremendous courage. I would really like to meet Elijah and spend some time in conversation with him!

And yet, shortly afterward, Elijah was afraid.

The wicked Queen Jezebel heard what had happened and sent a message to Elijah threatening his life. By the next day, she vowed, Elijah would suffer the same fate as the prophets of Baal.

Elijah had stood against 450 false prophets. He had confronted a king. He had witnessed fire come down from heaven.

But now Jezebel wanted him dead—and Elijah fled for his life.

Even a prophet can become afraid.

The Fear of Proclaiming the Truth

Perhaps that helps us understand something about our own times.

There can be a real temptation among clergy to fear the consequences of proclaiming the truth. Some fear retaliation. Some fear damaging their chances for advancement. Some fear a telephone call from the chancery. Others fear losing parishioners or financial support.

I once preached the closing Mass at a priest friend’s parish feast. By coincidence—or perhaps Providence—the first reading was the account of Elijah confronting the prophets of Baal.

I preached on the reading.

Two people walked out.

At the end, there was a standing ovation.

But afterward, my poor priest friend had to face the wrath of Jezebel!

That is one of the difficulties of proclaiming the truth. There will always be people who welcome it and others who become angry because of it.

Our first obligation, however, must always be to Jesus Christ and to the truth He has revealed, regardless of the repercussions.

But neither Elijah nor today’s Gospel teaches us to rely upon our own strength.

Go to the Mountain

Elijah goes to Horeb, the mountain of God.

There comes a strong and violent wind—but the Lord is not in the wind.

Then an earthquake—but the Lord is not in the earthquake.

Then fire—but the Lord is not in the fire.

Finally comes the tiny, whispering sound.

Elijah covers his face because he knows that he is standing in the presence of God.

There is a lesson here for all of us.

When the noise becomes overwhelming, when opposition comes, when we become frightened or discouraged, we need to return to God.

Find your mountain.

Enter your cave.

Seek silence and solitude.

And listen for the quiet voice of God.

Peter in the Storm

Peter learns much the same lesson in today’s Gospel.

The disciples are in a boat being battered by the waves when Jesus comes toward them, walking upon the sea. Peter says, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”

Jesus says simply, “Come.”

And Peter does the impossible.

He steps out of the boat and walks upon the water toward Jesus.

But then something changes.

Peter notices the strength of the wind. He becomes frightened. He begins to sink.

“Lord, save me!”

Immediately, Jesus reaches out His hand and catches him.

Peter’s problem began when the storm became greater in his eyes than the Lord standing before him.

That can happen to us as well.

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

Storms will come when we stand with Christ.

The winds will blow. The waves will rise. There will always be another Jezebel somewhere threatening those who refuse to compromise the truth.

But our strength does not come from pretending that we are never afraid.

Our strength comes from knowing where to turn when fear comes.

Elijah went to the mountain and listened for the quiet voice of God.

Peter cried out, “Lord, save me!” and reached for the hand of Christ.

And that is where we must turn as well.

When the storm comes, keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. When you begin to sink, reach for His hand. And when the world becomes too noisy to hear Him, go to the mountain, enter the cave, and listen for His voice.