A New Language, A New Vision
My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Today’s scripture texts from the first book of Kings, from Paul and from Gospel according to Mathew invite us to an experience of understanding and oneness with others. Each presents us with the gift of God’s Word and the challenge of recognizing the various languages through which that sacred Word is spoken. Elijah (1st reading, 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13), for example, had traditionally recognized the Word of God as spoken through various natural phenomena, e.g., as in the strong and crushing wind or in the tremors of an earthquake, or in the heat and flames of a fire. These perceptions enabled Elijah to think of God in terms of irrepressible power or an unharnessable force. But on that day, on the mountain known as Horeb (or Sinai), God’s Word came to the prophet speaking in another language, not with nature’s noises but in the still small silence of the prophet’s own heart. While the prophet was searching and listening elsewhere, the Word of God was speaking within him. He became as it was, “inspired” or “God-breathed”. He understood this new language God was speaking and he opened himself to hear and heed its directives.
In today’s second reading (Rom 9:1-5), Paul shares with his readers the truth of God’s Word as mediated through the language of the paschal mystery. Jesus had been spoken into the Jewish tradition of patriarchs and promises, covenants and messianic expectations. Yet, the Word made flesh was not fully appreciated or accepted by many of Paul and Jesus’ Jewish brothers and sisters. Heartbroken that his own did not understand the new language that God had spoken in Jesus, Paul pleaded that they do so, even after the fact. If they did, Paul promised that God would speak the language of reconciliation and salvation.
A language of strength and courage is spoken in today’s Gospel (Mt 14:22-33), when Jesus exhorts, “Be not afraid!” and invites believers “to come!” despite the deep waters and despite our fears. Jesus promises to stretch out his hand and catch us before we are overwhelmed. Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini once said, “A different language is a different vision of life”. Today Jesus offers to teach us not only the new language of unfaltering and fearless faith, but also a vision of life that sees all, loves all and cherishes all as God sees, loves and cherishes.
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