Daily HOMILY for August 5, 2014: Tuesday of the 18th Week of Ordinary Time

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In 2014, I am facilitating a 12-week interactive online course in contemplative prayer and action for priests with Saint Luke Institute.  Please visit SLIconnect.org to learn more:  https://www.sliconnect.org/product/living-god-program-contemplative-life-2/

St. Luke’s Institute

Tuesday of 18^th Week OT

August 5, 2014

“IT IS I” ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  Jesus’ words to the disciples terrified by the lake storm are, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid”

IMAGE OF GOD OVER TIME ++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  The composition of the books of the Bible extends over nearly a thousand years and includes changes in thinking about God

Ø  For us the final truth about God actually comes to us in God’s image, God’s Word come to earth, in the Gospel of John; it is Jesus

2 POINTS: HE’S NEAR & HE COMES TO THEM +++++++

Ø  Two things become eminently clear

Ø  First, his message is that in Jesus, God is near and available

Ø  And he is there to quiet our fears as we hear in today’s Gospel: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”

Ø  “Come.” Even at three in the morning – the time of the disciples’ scare –

Ø  “Come” waking and unable to sleep –  

Ø  “Come” worried about tomorrow –

Ø  “Come” haunted by memories of the past, our families, our ministry, our health

Ø  Secondly, we hear, “He came toward them walking on the sea.”

Ø  The Lord is not only near, but he is always moving in our direction

Ø  It may not be so much a matter of our finding him, but of recognizing the Lord’s nearness

CONCLUSION +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Ø  In our quieter, less troubled moments, developing a sense of God’s presence can ultimately be of assistance to us in our more desperate moments

Ø  And so we pray, each day we sit contemplatively for some time in God’s presence

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++