Perseverance and Focus

The readings this week really seem to resonate with me throughout all the turmoil of the modern world. In our day-to-day lives we are constantly presented with challenges, joys, struggles and achievements; some things are small, while others are large. To me, the first reading really helps us understand what God is calling us to do when it talks about Elijah standing on the side of the mountain though the onslaught of events, waiting for the Lord to appear. His perseverance and focus on God are what ultimately allows him to hear the “tiny whispering sound” in the end.
 

After reading that I was left with some desire to know how. It sounds like Elijah was able to just endure it, but I know I personally would probably not be able to just stand on the side of a mountain during a whole slew of disasters. So how do I make it through to the tiny sound at the end? Luckily, I think the gospel has the answer.  We are told that Peter became frightened by the storm around him, lost his faith, and began to sink. Yet all he had to do was call out and ask for help. Jesus immediately took his hand and saved him. I find it very comforting to think that no matter how much I may be struggling through the storms in my own life, Jesus will be there waiting at the end in a tiny whisper no matter what.

–Jon Taylor

Send Us Forth are reflections written by St. Matthew parishioners and friends.