God asks Elijah: “What are you doing here?” Although Elijah was on the mountain because God had led him there, at a deeper level he was there because fear had weakened his faith after Jezebel’s threat, causing him to flee from his God-appointed mission. The first reading beautifully describes the human encounter with God. The Lord comes to Elijah not through the turmoil of his heart, but in a gentle whisper of stillness. Elijah is told to leave the safety of his cave and stand before the Lord on the mountain. In the same way, we can become overwhelmed by the noise of the world if we fail to listen to God’s voice. The Gospel continues this theme through Peter walking on the water. Just as Elijah had to overcome fear to hear God’s voice, Peter had to trust beyond fear. Peter could walk on water as long as his eyes remained fixed on Jesus. But when he focused on the wind, fear overtook him. Likewise, when we focus on Jesus, we will emerge victorious.

PRAYER: Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation. Amen.