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Sunday, August 11, 2002

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19th Sunday Ordinary Time


1 Kings 19:9, 11-13
Romans 9:1-5
Psalm 85
Matthew 14:22-33

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the privilege of listening to god

"I will hear what God proclaims." —Psalm 85:9

Five days ago, we celebrated the feast of Jesus' Transfiguration. The message of God the Father concerning the transfigured Christ is: "Listen to Him" (Mt 17:5). Today this message is repeated. Like Elijah, we must listen to God's whispers (1 Kgs 19:12). Like Jesus, we need to pray into the night and hear the voice of our Father (Mt 14:23).

It is a privilege to hear our Father. He wants to speak to us as His sons and daughters. Our Father, Who is not only loving but Who is Love (1 Jn 4:8, 16), wants to speak intimately and deeply to us. When we hear God, there's hope even when our marriages, work, families, health, or faith seem to be sinking and about to drown (see Mt 14:30). "Faith comes through hearing" God (Rm 10:17, our transl). In hearing God, there is strength and victory (Is 30:15, 21).

We can listen to God in many ways. I invite you to set aside at least five minutes each day to do nothing but sit "at the Lord's feet" and listen to His words (Lk 10:39). This will set the tone for a whole day and a life of listening to the Lord. "Listen to Him."

Prayer:  Father, may I be "quick to hear" and "slow to speak" (Jas 1:19).

Promise:  "Lord, save me!" —Mt 14:30

Praise:  Praise Jesus, risen, glorified, and soon to come!

Reference:  (The Discipleship Retreats provide an opportunity to listen to God's Word  and receive His love in the Sacraments. For information or a brochure, e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com or call 937-587-5464. A Retreat for the Divorced is scheduled for September 6-8. Call or e-mail to register.)

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 7, 2002


Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 12, 2002