August 11, 2002

Have you ever heard an orchestra play grand uplifting music? The drums may excite you. The horns may take your breath away. But, it is the unexpected violin, my favorite, that moves you to tears. The Scriptures this week speak of a God who acts in unexpected ways. To believe is to expect the unexpected.

It is easy to discern God's presence in our lives in the moments of surprising discover, unexpected rescue, or miraculous timing. Sometimes, however, God seems very far away. When a child dies, a job is lost, or we suffer sickness or hardship, we might feel God has abandoned us. At those times it is often the tiniest thing that breaks through and assures us of God's presence. Through the touch of a child's hand, a familiar smell, or a violin solo. God enters unexpectedly and coaches us to believe again.

God acts in unexpected ways in today's readings. The Apostles experienced God's presence when Jesus unexpectedly walked on water, and when the wind died down as he climbed into the boat. Paul grieves over those Jews who could not believe that God would unexpectedly let the Messiah be crucified and welcome Gentiles into the Chosen People. When the grand music of wind, earthquake and fire could no longer convince frightened despairing Elijah of God's presence, the unexpected tiny whisper broke through to him and coached him from his cave.

Peter did something surprising in today's Gospel. He waked on water too. What allowed him to do something totally unexpected? What made him sink? The gift of faith can work unexpected wonders in our lives. And, if we begin to doubt or fear, all we need to do is reach out for Jesus' outstretched hand. We might be able like Peter to do the unexpected things that Jesus did.

SO THE QUESTION: HOW DO YOU EXPECT GOD TO ACT IN YOUR LIFE?

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