Homily for the Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, delivered in St Peter Chanel’s Church, Miriam Vale."Then the Lord himself went by. There came a mighty wind, so strong it tore the mountains and shattered the rocks before the Lord. But the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind came an earthquake. But the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire. But the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire there came the sound of a gentle breeze. And when Elijah heard this, he covered his face..." (cf. 1 Kings 19).
"I will hear what the Lord God has to say, a voice that speaks of peace. His help is near for those who fear him and his glory will dwell in our land; Lord, show us your mercy and love, and grant us your salvation." (cf. Ps 85).
"What I want to say now is no pretence; I say it in union with Christ – it is the truth – my conscience in union with the Holy Spirit assures me of it too. What I want to say is this: my sorrow is so great, my mental anguish so endless, I would willingly be condemned and be cut off from Christ if it could help my brothers of Israel, my own flesh and blood... God for ever blessed! Amen." (cf Rom 9).
"After sending the crowds away [Jesus] went up into the hills by himself to pray." (cf. Mt 14).
Artwork:
a photograph of Mount Horeb / Sinai, by Francis F. Frith (1858).
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