Fr. Mike's Gospel Reflection for - Sunday, August 9, 2026

Many of us have faith that is easily shaken. Elijah has his faith shaken by the threats of the queen. Peter has his faith shaken by the wind. We have our faith shaken by every little thing that goes wrong in our lives. What does it take for us to have a firm foundation of faith? Faith that can withstand threats and wind and challenges?

In the verses immediately preceding this weekend’s first reading from the Book of Kings, God gives Elijah one of the greatest victories of any prophet, ever. Yet, when Elijah hears that the queen wants to kill him because of his victory, Elijah runs away instead of trusting in God for protection. After he ran, this mighty prophet gave into discouragement and fear and prayed for death. Elijah isolated himself on the mountain because he allowed his fear to be magnified while he temporarily forgot God. When we are depressed, it is not the time to isolate ourselves from God or His people. Just a few statements from another believer can get us back on course.

To restore Elijah’s faith, God releases three powerful forces of nature and withdraws Himself during the display. No voice in the rushing wind? No vision of Him in the fire? His voice didn’t rumble from the depths of the earth? No. He defies all of Elijah’s expectations. God finally appears in a quiet whisper. Faith, not fear is God’s message to Elijah and to each of us. God does not need to manifest Himself in mighty power. He is present in the softest whisper. God reminds Elijah that he doesn’t see what his Creator sees, nor does he know what his Creator knows.

In the quiet, Elijah rediscovers God. God brings Elijah back to his senses. He left the cave, and got back to serving the Lord. His troubles did not miraculously vanish, but God had completely changed his perspective. Maybe God is quietly trying to help us as well. We should heed his advice: “Be still and know that I am God.” If we are feeling a little down or depressed then, like Elijah, we need to get things back into perspective. God is on His throne. He is sovereign. He will accomplish His will. He will finish the good work He has begun in us.

Fr. Mike