Faith Flight and Fear

 The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today resonate with our desire to run away from the situations in our life where our faith invites us to go and receive transformative grace to combat our fear.

Faith and Skyline

The Reading from the First Book of Kings presents Elijah’s Flight to Horeb.

* [19:11–13] To “stand before the Lord” is a literal translation of a Hebrew idiom meaning “to serve the Lord”; Elijah has used this idiom twice before to describe himself as the Lord’s servant (17:1; 18:15). The Lord’s command, then, means that Elijah is to take up once again the prophetic service to which he has been appointed. The Lord’s question, “Why are you here?” (v. 9, repeated in v. 13), could imply an accusation that he is abandoning his prophetic office. In v. 15, the Lord tells him to go back. (1 Kings, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 85 proclaims the people who wait humbly with open hearts.

* [Psalm 85] A national lament reminding God of past favors and forgiveness (Ps 85:2–4) and begging for forgiveness and grace now (Ps 85:5–8). A speaker represents the people who wait humbly with open hearts (Ps 85:9–10): God will be active on their behalf (Ps 85:11–13). The situation suggests the conditions of Judea during the early postexilic period, the fifth century B.C.; the thoughts are similar to those of postexilic prophets (Hg 1:5–11; 2:6–9). (Psalms, PSALM 85 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Reading from the Letter to the Romans declares Paul’s Love for Israel.

* [9:1–5] The apostle speaks in strong terms of the depth of his grief over the unbelief of his own people. He would willingly undergo a curse himself for the sake of their coming to the knowledge of Christ (Rom 9:3; cf. Lv 27:28–29). His love for them derives from God’s continuing choice of them and from the spiritual benefits that God bestows on them and through them on all of humanity (Rom 9:4–5).

* [9:5] Some editors punctuate this verse differently and prefer the translation, “Of whom is Christ according to the flesh, who is God over all.” However, Paul’s point is that God who is over all aimed to use Israel, which had been entrusted with every privilege, in outreach to the entire world through the Messiah. (Romans, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB, n.d.)

In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus, while Walking on the Water, assists Peter.

* [14:22–33] The disciples, laboring against the turbulent sea, are saved by Jesus. For his power over the waters, see note on Mt 8:26. Here that power is expressed also by his walking on the sea (Mt 14:25; cf. Ps 77:20; Jb 9:8). Matthew has inserted into the Marcan story (Mk 6:45–52) material that belongs to his special traditions on Peter (Mt 14:28–31).

* [14:25] The fourth watch of the night: between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m. The Romans divided the twelve hours between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. into four equal parts called “watches.”

* [14:27] It is I: see note on Mk 6:50.

* [14:31] You of little faith: see note on Mt 6:30. Why did you doubt?: the verb is peculiar to Matthew and occurs elsewhere only in Mt 28:17.

* [14:33] This confession is in striking contrast to the Marcan parallel (Mk 6:51) where the disciples are “completely astounded.” (Matthew, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Rashmi Fernando, SJ, comments that we begin with confidence, but somewhere along the journey, we become preoccupied with the “winds” around us—the uncertainties, disappointments, criticism, financial burdens, fragile health, or fears about the future. Slowly, we begin to sink under the weight of what once seemed manageable.

Yet today’s Gospel is not ultimately about Peter’s failure. It is about Jesus’ immediacy. The most comforting word in the passage may be “immediately.” Peter cries, “Lord, save me!” and immediately Jesus stretches out his hand. There is no lecture before the rescue. No delay. No test to determine whether Peter deserves help. Grace always precedes correction. Jesus first saves him; only then does he gently ask, “Why did you doubt?” Perhaps, for this reason, the greatest miracle in today’s gospel is not that Jesus walked on water or that Peter briefly did the same. The greater miracle is that God’s hand is always closer than our fear. Even when our faith falters, his faithfulness never does. (Fernando, 2026)

Don Schwager quotes “Welcoming the Lord Jesus with expectant faith and humility,” by Augustine of Hippo, 354-430 A.D.

"While human praise does not tempt the Lord, people are often ruffled and nearly entranced by human praise and honors in the church. Peter was afraid on the sea, terrified by the great force of the storm. Indeed, who does not fear that voice: 'Those who say you are happy place you in error and disturb the path of your feet' (Isaiah 3:12 Vulgate translation)? And since the soul struggles against the desire for human praise, it is good for it to turn to prayer and petition amid such danger, lest one who is charmed by praise be overcome by criticism and reproach. Let Peter, about to sink in the waves, cry out and say, 'Lord, save me!' The Lord reached out his hand. He chided Peter, saying, 'O man of little faith, why did you doubt?' - that is, why did you not, gazing straight at the Lord as you approached, pride yourself only in him? Nevertheless he snatched Peter from the waves and did not allow him who was declaring his weakness and asking the Lord for help to perish." (excerpt from SERMON 75:10) (Schwager, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments that in 1 Kings we hear of the experience of God by Elijah on Mt Horeb, also known as  Mt Sinai, where the Law was received by the Jewish people. God is not  found in the traditional way. Most often we meet God in the simple events of our life where we  see the signs of God's goodness. The profound passage in Romans declares that if Paul going to hell would save Jews, he would accept hell. In this way he gets the right idea about heaven. We think of our gain but to surrender heaven so others might attain it is truly heaven. The Gospel of Matthew presents Jesus walking on the waters. In Matthew, Peter’s role is emphasized. He becomes the central character. He sinks because of shaken faith. We learn a bit about impetuous Peter who acts before thinking. Our character faults teach us about faith and our faults. Friar Jude notes that Jesus accepts Peter where he is and loves Him as much as he can. In the Hebrew Testament, the title “Son of God” is an honorific, then. in Matthew, it  becomes the proclamation of Jesus as truly the Son of God.

The Word Among Us Meditation on 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13 comments that God was not in the strong wind, in the earthquake, or in the fire, however. He was in “a tiny whispering sound” (19:12). In today’s Gospel, the disciples were in a boat that was being tossed by the wind and the waves when they saw Jesus coming “toward them walking on the sea” (Matthew 14:25). Of course they were terrified!

You might be afraid or you might have “little faith” (Matthew 14:31). Because it might feel as if the Lord is absent, as if he doesn’t care, or as if you’re beyond his help.

But God wants to reassure you. He is passing by! He’s inviting you to the “mountain”—a quiet place where you can pray and pour out your heart—to spend time with him. He wants you to remember that he comes to you, he stretches out his hand, and he holds you and keeps you steady. Then he says: “Take courage . . . ; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27).

“Lord, I know you come to my aid. Help me to trust in you.” (Meditation on 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13, n.d.)

Father Richard Rohr, OFM, describes how grace and connectivity are foundational to Franciscan mysticism. A mystic reveals that which is hidden to most of us, yet it is also invariably what we also hope and imagine to be true! True mystics seldom if ever bring bad news. It seems Reality, at its hidden and deepest levels, is always very good—better than most of us can imagine!

Franciscan mysticism is a subset of mysticism. Though it overlaps with aspects of non-Christian mysticism—such as nature mysticism, Islamic Sufi mysticism (ecstasy and joy), Hindu mysticism (unitive consciousness itself and asceticism), and Buddhism (nonviolence and simplicity)—Franciscan mysticism has a unique place in the world through its Christocentric lens.

It was the unique person of Jesus that Francis of Assisi (1182–1226) fell in love with, precisely in his incarnate and humble state, identifying with the excluded and little ones, whom Jesus calls “the least of these” (Matthew 25:40). The bias toward the edge and the bottom has always been at the heart of Franciscan mysticism, explaining its perennial identification with poverty and suffering.

The cosmic vision, personalized in Jesus, was an intuition that Francis and many of his followers lived and experienced, but most of them did not formulate it in theological words or academic concepts as much as in lifestyles. Usually they picked it up by osmosis, through the gospel and the Franciscan lineage. Followers of Francis bore “fruit that remained” and invariably believed in original blessing much more than original sin. (Rohr, n.d.)

We are grateful to the Spirit that inspires the great transforming events of our lives and supports our journey to be support and blessing to those we accompany in “troubled waters”.

References

Fernando, R. (2026, August 9). Daily Reflection August 9, 2026 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved August 9, 2026, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-august-9-2026 

Matthew, CHAPTER 14 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved August 9, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/matthew/14?22 

Meditation on 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved August 9, 2026, from https://wau.org/meditations/2026/08/09/1642346/ 

1 Kings, CHAPTER 19 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 9, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/1kings/19? 

Psalms, PSALM 85 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings, Audio and Video Every Morning | USCCB. Retrieved August 9, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/

Rohr, R. (n.d.). Grace and Connectivity. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved August 9, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/85?9 

Romans, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved August 9, 2026, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/9? 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). It Is I - Have No Fear. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved August 9, 2026, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Covenant and Conduct

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today remind us of the ancient Covenant within which we are given responsibility to share our relationship with God in a manner that attends to the suffering and need of all His Children.

Covenant in Care

The reading from the Book of Genesis proclaims the Covenant with Abram.

* [15:6] Abraham’s act of faith in God’s promises was regarded as an act of righteousness, i.e., as fully expressive of his relationship with God. St. Paul (Rom 4:1–25; Gal 3:6–9) makes Abraham’s faith a model for Christians.

* [15:9–17] Cutting up animals was a well-attested way of making a treaty in antiquity. Jer 34:17–20 shows the rite is a form of self-imprecation in which violators invoke the fate of the animals upon themselves. The eighth-century B.C. Sefire treaty from Syria reads, “As this calf is cut up, thus Matti’el shall be cut up.” The smoking fire pot and the flaming torch (v. 17), which represent God, pass between the pieces, making God a signatory to the covenant. (Genesis, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 27 is a Triumphant Song of Confidence.

* [Psalm 27] Tradition has handed down the two sections of the Psalm (Ps 27:1–6; 7–14) as one Psalm, though each part could be understood as complete in itself. Asserting boundless hope that God will bring rescue (Ps 27:1–3), the psalmist longs for the presence of God in the Temple, protection from all enemies (Ps 27:4–6). In part B there is a clear shift in tone (Ps 27:7–12); the climax of the poem comes with “I believe” (Ps 27:13), echoing “I trust” (Ps 27:3). (Psalms, PSALM 27 | USCCB, n.d.)

The reading from the Letter of Paul to the Philippians contrasts Wrong Conduct and Our Goal.

* [3:17–21] Paul and those who live a life centered in Christ, envisaging both his suffering and resurrection, provide a model that is the opposite of opponents who reject Christ’s cross (cf. 1 Cor 1:23).

* [3:17] Being imitators of me: not arrogance, but humble simplicity, since all his converts know that Paul is wholly dedicated to imitating Christ (1 Cor 11:1; cf. also Phil 4:9; 1 Thes 1:6; 2 Thes 3:7, 9; 1 Cor 4:6).

* [3:20] Citizenship: Christians constitute a colony of heaven, as Philippi was a colonia of Rome (Acts 16:12). The hope Paul expresses involves the final coming of Christ, not a status already attained, such as the opponents claim. (Philippians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke presents the Transfiguration.

* [9:28–36] Situated shortly after the first announcement of the passion, death, and resurrection, this scene of Jesus’ transfiguration provides the heavenly confirmation to Jesus’ declaration that his suffering will end in glory (Lk 9:32); see also notes on Mt 17:1–8 and Mk 9:2–8.

* [9:28] Up the mountain to pray: the “mountain” is the regular place of prayer in Luke (see Lk 6:12; 22:39–41).

* [9:30] Moses and Elijah: the two figures represent the Old Testament law and the prophets. At the end of this episode, the heavenly voice will identify Jesus as the one to be listened to now (Lk 9:35). See also note on Mk 9:5.

* [9:31] His exodus that he was going to accomplish in Jerusalem: Luke identifies the subject of the conversation as the exodus of Jesus, a reference to the death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus that will take place in Jerusalem, the city of destiny (see Lk 9:51). The mention of exodus, however, also calls to mind the Israelite Exodus from Egypt to the promised land.

* [9:32] They saw his glory: the glory that is proper to God is here attributed to Jesus (see Lk 24:26).

* [9:33] Let us make three tents: in a possible allusion to the feast of Tabernacles, Peter may be likening his joy on the occasion of the transfiguration to the joyful celebration of this harvest festival.

* [9:34] Over them: it is not clear whether them refers to Jesus, Moses, and Elijah, or to the disciples. For the cloud casting its shadow, see note on Mk 9:7.

* [9:35] Like the heavenly voice that identified Jesus at his baptism prior to his undertaking the Galilean ministry (Lk 3:22), so too here before the journey to the city of destiny is begun (Lk 9:51) the heavenly voice again identifies Jesus as Son. Listen to him: the two representatives of Israel of old depart (Lk 9:33) and Jesus is left alone (Lk 9:36) as the teacher whose words must be heeded (see also Acts 3:22).

* [9:36] At that time: i.e., before the resurrection. (Luke, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB, n.d.)

Edward Morse comments that encountering God, who is neither safe nor tame, is not a ticket to safety and security in this life.  Yet, with the Psalmist, we cry out in faith seeking His deliverance and comfort in the midst of uncertainties, knowing somehow that we are not alone and that He is truly good: “I believe that I shall see the bounty of the LORD in the land of the living.”

During this Lenten journey, let us listen intently with Peter.  Let us have a holy fear, not like those about whom Paul writes in his letter, whose end is destruction and who follow their own pleasure.  Let us also join with Abraham in holding on to God’s faithfulness and goodness, even in the midst of our weakness and our fears.   We fool ourselves by thinking we need to know everything before we can proceed, as such certainty is unattainable.  Let us instead cultivate wonder, through which we may open our souls to learn and grow as God allows us to encounter Him as we journey onward.  Thanks be to God. (Morse, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “The transfiguration of Jesus,” by Origen (185-254 AD).

"Do you wish to see the transfiguration of Jesus? Behold with me the Jesus of the Gospels. Let him be simply apprehended. There he is beheld both 'according to the flesh' and at the same time in his true divinity. He is beheld in the form of God according to our capacity for knowledge. This is how he was beheld by those who went up upon the lofty mountain to be apart with him. Meanwhile those who do not go up the mountain can still behold his works and hear his words, which are uplifting. It is before those who go up that Jesus is transfigured, and not to those below. When he is transfigured, his face shines as the sun, that he may be manifested to the children of light, who have put off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light (Romans 13:12). They are no longer the children of darkness or night but have become the children of day. They walk honestly as in the day. Being manifested, he will shine to them not simply as the sun but as he is demonstrated to be, the sun of righteousness." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON MATTHEW 12.37) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 9:28-36 comments that today’s Gospel describing the Transfiguration is a revelation of who Jesus truly is. As Luke describes it, “His face changed in appearance and his clothing became dazzling white” (9:29).

Today, imagine yourself on Mount Tabor with Peter, John, and James. What does Jesus’ face look like? How bright is his clothing? Think about what you might say to him. Above all, be sure to thank him from the bottom of your heart for being willing to die so that you might live!

“Jesus, let me see your glory today.” (Meditation on Luke 9:28-36, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler comments on the blessing and curses of the Covenant with Abraham that contrast the descendants promised with being torn asunder. Paul expresses his affection for the Phillippians who are now suffering and his encouragement that they should not live for the values of the world. Friar Jude notes the special privilege of Moses and Elijah in their connection to heaven.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, invites us to consider how well we love others, especially the stranger.

One would think that people who insist they believe in one God would understand that everyone on Earth is equally a child of that one God. Christians ought to be first in line to cross artificial boundaries created by nation states, class systems, cultures, and even religions. Often, we’re the last! It makes one wonder if we believe what we say we believe. Religion too often becomes the way to defend the self instead of the way to “let go of the self” as Jesus forthrightly taught (see Luke 9:23). [1] (Rohr, n.d.)

Pope Francis reminds Christians of their duty to welcome the stranger:

Let us concentrate on these words of Jesus: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me” (Matthew 25:35–36). In our time, charitable action regarding foreigners is more relevant than ever. The economic crisis, armed conflicts, and climate change have forced many people to emigrate. However, migration is not a new phenomenon; it is part of the history of humanity. It is a lack of historical memory to think that this phenomenon has arisen only in recent years…. (Rohr, n.d.)

We ponder the revelation of the nature of Christ in the Transfiguration and the connection to our Christian mission to care for our brothers and sisters everywhere.

References

Genesis, CHAPTER 15 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved March 16, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/15?5 

Luke, CHAPTER 9 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved March 16, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/9?28 

Meditation on Luke 9:28-36. (n.d.). The Word Among Us. Retrieved March 16, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/03/16/1227592/ 

Morse, E. (n.d.). Daily Reflection Of Creighton University's Online Ministries. Creighton University's Online Ministries. Retrieved March 16, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/031625.html 

Philippians, CHAPTER 3 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved March 16, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/27?1 

Psalms, PSALM 27 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved March 16, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/27?1 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). A Biblical Command. CAC Daily Reflection. Retrieved March 16, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/a-biblical-command/ 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). Jesus Transfigured in Glory. Retrieved March 16, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/?ds_year=2025&date=mar16