Encounter with God

08-02-2020Weekly Reflection

The readings this Sunday present three different kinds of encounter with God. Elijah meets the Lord in Mt. Horeb, the mountain of God. Paul in the letter to the Romans meets the Lord Jesus in his conscience. And the Apostle Peter, his boldness strikes again meets Him walking on the waters. Three different people, three different encounters, as we ponder on these, let us examine our own personal encounter with God, an experience into the presence of the living God.

Man, by nature is created with an inner longing for the divine, for God. St. Augustine says, man was created by God with a vacuum or a void in the heart. Because of this man seeks to fill this vacuum, a longing that only God can fill. But God is awesome wonder, power and majesty that surpasses human quantity and quality; it is said that even a glimpse of Him will be too overwhelming for us. In the presence of God, man experiences a combination of attraction and fear. Yet, it is good to be with God. There is nothing and no one better in life than God. And His goodness is more than we can bear. “But you cannot see my face, for no one can see me and live.” (Ex. 33:20) At Mt. Tabor, during the Transfiguration of the Lord, Elijah was one of the witnesses of Jesus’ glory, long before he had a mysterious encounter with God on Mt. Horeb. Elijah was expecting a spectacular phenomenon will happen, how will God manifest Himself? Sometimes we expect God to come down with power and majesty and solve all the problems of the world. Elijah’s encounter with the Lord was a profound revelation of how God makes Himself known. He makes Himself known to Elijah in “a tiny whispering sound.” But still God is present, speaking quietly and intimately with him. Immediately, Elijah hides his face, no one is worthy to meet God face to face and live. He simply goes to stand in the presence of God’s whispering sound, and listens to the message of God.

The Gospel account of Peter’s encounter with God in Jesus, gives us another insight into the wisdom of God. Jesus’ words: “Do not be afraid!” is an invitation and assurance. In spite of being unsure, Peter decides to leave the boat and walk towards Jesus, leaving the boat means leaving his only security in this stormy night. But this is the way of Faith in Jesus. The Lord calls beyond what we can understand or humanly possible. When the Lord calls, there will be hesitations, doubts, fears and reasonable objections on our part. But in Faith, we step up, level up, a leap of Faith, a walk on top of the water. Fix our heart on Him and not on anything and anyone, not on the storm, on the winds and the waves, fix our heart intently on the Lord. Then we would not have to call on Him, “Lord, save me.” Because His presence is enough reason to overcome all our fears, doubts, and hesitations. Walk with faith in our heart and we will never be alone… no winds and waves should cause wavering in our journey of FAITH.