09/08/2026
๐๐๐ ๐ ๐พ๐ค๐ช๐ง๐๐๐: โ๐๐๐ ๐๐ค๐ง๐ ๐๐จ ๐๐๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ค๐ชโ
19๐ฉ๐ ๐๐ช๐ฃ๐๐๐ฎ ๐ค๐ ๐๐ง๐๐๐ฃ๐๐ง๐ฎ ๐๐๐ข๐
The Gospel reading reminds us that, in every wave of fear and doubt, Godโs love and care are greater. Most Reverend Abel C. Apigo, D.D., shared a beautiful reflection on the experiences of the prophets Elijah and Peter, showing how God is with them amid trials.
In the first reading, the prophet Elijah was hiding in a cave when he heard a voice telling him to go out, stand on the mountain, and wait for the Lord, for the Lord would pass by. Bishop Apigo explained why Elijah had been hiding: he and the prophets of Baal had challenged each other to light their altars. The prophets of Baal performed their rites, but no fire came down from heaven. When it was Elijahโs turn, his altar was drenched with water, yet the fire from Yahweh illuminated it when he prayed. Queen Jezebel, furious, threatened Elijahโs life, and he fled into the wilderness, terrified for his safety.
God was not found in the strong wind, the earthquake, or the roaring fire; it was in the quiet whisper that Elijah heard the voice of Yahweh, assuring him, โI am with you; I will always protect you.โ Elijah did not look at Godโs face because he feared and felt embarrassed, but the silence itself was a solemn connection to faith.
In the Gospel, God is present with the sailors amid the strong waves and wind. Peter asked the Lord to let him walk on the water, but when he saw the great waves he began to sink and cried out for rescue. The Lord replied, โYou of little faithโฆโ
Brothers and sisters in Christ, the readings compel us to trust that those who follow the Lord will be tested. Even amid waves of trials, uncertainties, and difficulties, God never fails to save us. He is always with usโsaving, guiding, and protecting. May we continue to hold firm in our faith and take courage, knowing that the true God is always with us, strengthening and assuring us.
โ๏ธ | Marie Anne Bernadette Bantayan