Today's readings recall for us the awesome presence of God in our daily lives. Two exquisite God-experiences are recounted for us to strengthen us in our own difficult times. Elijah's God-experience on Mt Sinai came at the most opportune moment of his life when he was totally dejected as a prophet standing for God's holiness against a stiff-necked people who went after idols. He receives an assurance in the soft whisper of the breeze that God was/is with him. It is significant that the prophet recognized God's presence: "he covered his face with his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave."

Peter and the disciples battling the waves, far out in the sea, in the deepest night had a similar experience. "It is I do not be afraid." Is Peter trying to test the genuineness of this encounter by jumping into the sea at the Lord's command: "Come?" Peter would rule the Church one day; he has to learn to walk over the water, a symbol of overcoming obstacles in faith and in times of tribulation such as the persecutions. He knows he can't do it alone. Peter starts out strong, yet he cries out to the Lord like all of us, when we can't do it alone. Do I still continue to doubt God's power over my life and in my personal journey to God?