August 13, 2023: 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

When the storms of life, in whatever form they come, swirl furiously around us, we can take comfort in the reality of our God Who is truly with us.

He sent to us a Savior, in accordance with the promises to His Chosen People, to free us from sin.

It is a contrast to Old Testament understandings, when people thought God came in fury, like when Elijah sees a great wind, a fire, and and earthquake, yet God wasn't present in any of them.  When he hears the soft sound, he hides his face as he enters into God's presence.

Now, God has come to us so closely to us in Jesus Christ, Who desires for us to draw close to Him, and to keep ourselves fixed on Him.

When life gets tempestuous, let us still ourselves to the quiet presence of God coming so close us, and surely that's what beckoned St. Peter to get out of the boat to go toward Jesus on the water.

I am reminded that yesterday, August 12, was the birthday of Blessed Father Michael McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, and today, August 13, is his feast day.  He is a great model of bringing Christ close to people by meeting their needs in their difficult circumstances.

While there is so much to distract us when life gets challenging, let's keep focused on God Who comes to us in Christ to be our aid, and always remember that we can count on Him and to be not afraid.