In this Sunday’s first reading from the First Book of Kings, Elijah is to encounter God, but God does not speak to him through the wind, the earthquake, or the fire. Instead, God speaks in a “tiny whispering sound” or as other translations say, a “still small voice.”
In the Gospel, Peter walks on water toward Jesus…"But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’”
These days it seems there is a lot of “wind”, “earthquakes”, and “fires” of all sorts, not the least of which is our present pandemic. Yet, we are called to keep our focus on Jesus who says, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Our God speaks today in a “still small voice”. This requires us to seek silence and prayer and not get overly focused on all the news of our days. If we invite Jesus into the storm-rocked boats of our lives and hearts, the wind will die down, and we will find peace.
Let’s all try to seek that “still small voice” all the more these turbulent days!