Daily Readings for August 13, 2017

1ST READING

Where is God working in your life at the moment? Sometimes, it is difficult to recognize where or how, but that is usually because we are looking in the wrong places, or we’re not looking at all. Sometimes, we might not even want God to be working because it will mean that we have to address the sin in our lives.

1 Kings 19:9, 11-13

9 At the mountain of God, Horeb, Elijah came to a cave, where he took shelter. 11 Then the Lord said to him, “Go outside and stand on the mountain before the Lord; the Lord will be passing by.” A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the Lord — but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake — but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake there was fire — but the Lord was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound. 13 When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave.

P S A L M

Psalm 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14

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

8 [9] I will hear what God proclaims; the Lord—for he proclaims peace. 9 [10] Near indeed is his salvation to those who fear him, glory dwelling in our land. (R) 10 [11] Kindness and truth shall meet; justice and peace shall kiss. 11 [12] Truth shall spring out of the earth, and justice shall look down from heaven. (R) 12 [13] The Lord himself will give his benefits; our land shall yield its increase. 13 [14] Justice shall walk before him, and salvation, along the way of his steps. (R)

2ND READING

Paul begins the futile task of trying to explain why the Jews failed to recognize Jesus as the promised Savior to Israel. Because of sin, they failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah, just as many people today fail to do the same thing. We do not need any great theological explanations about how this is part of God’s plan so that the Gentiles might hear the Gospel; we simply need to repent of our sin, turn back to God and entrust our lives to His mercy and love.

Romans 9:1-5

1 Brothers and sisters: I speak the truth in Christ, I do not lie; my conscience joins with the Holy Spirit in bearing me witness 2 that I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites; theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; 5 theirs the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

GOSPEL

Peter walks on the water at the bidding of Jesus. He begins to sink into the water when he takes His focus off Jesus and looks at the waves and the wind. What does this say to us about our own faith? The Gospel reminds us that when we keep our focus on the Lord, we are likely to do well. Conversely, when we allow our attention to falter, our faith falters as well.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION

I wait for the Lord; my soul waits for his word.

Matthew 14:22-33

22 After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. 23 After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone. 24 Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. 25 During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. 26 When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. 27 At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” 28 Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” 29 He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” 31 Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 After they got into the boat, the wind died down. 33 Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”