Let’s explore some of the themes in the readings for Mass on this 19th Sunday of the Year.

1st Reading – 1st Kings 19:9a,11-13a

• Elijah takes shelter in a cave at Horeb and encounters mighty wind, an earthquake, and fire…but the Lord is not present in these natural forces.
• Elijah then hears a tiny whispering sound, and he recognizes the Lord in the whisper.

Psalm – 85:9-14

• “Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.”
• We listen to God, and encounter kindness and truth, justice and peace.

2nd Reading – Romans 9:1-5

• Paul is in anguish for his own people, the children of Israel, and would wish himself accursed for their sake.
• Paul acknowledges that the promises to the Israelites are the glory of the covenants and promises of salvation history, which are fulfilled in Jesus Christ who is over all.

Gospel – Matthew 14:22-33

• Jesus dismisses the crowds and goes up the mountain to pray while the disciples are in a boat being tossed about by a storm.
• Jesus walks on the water to the disciples, and Peter calls out to him and begins to walk on the water.
• When Peter sees the strength of the storm he starts to sink, and Jesus rescues him.

Mass Readings – 19th Sunday of the Year

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