Gulf Pine Catholic

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Gulf Pine Catholic
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July 28, 2017
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Prices starting at $2,499 ~ with airfare included
in this price from anywhere in the USA
Many trip destinations: the Holy Land; Italy;
France; Portugal; Spain; Poland; Medjugor-
je; Lourdes; Fatima; Ireland; Scotland; Eng-
land; Austria; Germany; Switzerland; Turkey;
Greece; Budapest; Prague; Our Lady of
Guadalupe; Colombia; Brazil; Argentina;
Domestic Destinations; etc…
We also specialize in custom trips
for Bishops, Priests, and Deacons
(Hablamos Español)
855-842-8001 508-340-9370 call us 24/7
Thank you,
Jesus, Mary,
St. Jude, and
St. Anthony
for prayers
answered. CS
Thank you,
St. Jude,
for prayers
answered. CS
9274 Hwy 49/Airport
Gulfport, MS 39503
228-863-5525
1-800-880-2446
FAX: 228-863-9612
Midway Family Care
Walk-In Clinic is a primary
care medical facility offering
an affordable alternative...
Office Visits
$6000
1009 Byrd St. (at Hwy. 90)
Ocean Springs, MS
H. Todd Coulter, M.D.
228-875-7474
MIDWAY FAMILY CARE
Walk-In Clinic
Thank you,
St. Jude, for
prayers answered.
Monica
Story is told of a couple at a neighborhood gathering
and the person serving drinks asked the man in line,
“What is your wife’s favorite wine?” The husband
replied that she had three, “You
don’t bring me flowers anymore;
you never listen to me, and you
spend too much time in front of
the TV watching sports.” So,
what is your favorite whine?
In our first reading, Elijah, a
great prophet of God had just
completed a major victory over
God’s enemies in a standoff with
450 prophets of the pagan god
Baal (1 Kings 18:16-49). Such a
demonstration of boldness and
trust in the Lord on Elijah’s part
changed the hearts of the Israelites
practicing pagan worship instead
of honoring the Lord. After the
miraculous display of God’s power all the people
declared, “The Lord is God.”
But in today’s reading, Elijah, frightened by threats
on his life, is hiding in a cave and God comes to visit.
Does he offer God praise, worship and thanksgiving for
coming to his aid? No, he whines! “I have been most
zealous for the Lord…the Israelites have forsaken your
covenant, destroyed your altars and murdered your
prophets …I alone remain and they seek to take my
life” (1 Kings 19:9-14). God does not address Elijah’s
whining, but tells him to get up and take some food and
drink to be strengthened for the next task. God was not
finished with him yet. From there Elijah went on to
anoint two kings and the prophet Elisha to succeed him.
Although out of character for a prophet of Elijah’s
stature, his momentary timidity demonstrates the
fickleness of the human condition. We often desire to
serve the Lord but fear of critics dampen our zeal and
cause us to back down. We have a choice: whine or
pray! Whining focuses inward, not in a reflective way
with a goal for improvement but with a critical,
complaining and condemning spirit. Prayer, on the
other hand, is offering God our praise and thanksgiving
and petitions God to conform us to his will.
Elijah separated himself from God (so he thought)
by hiding in a cave. It was only when he came out of
the cave at the Lord’s command, and assumed a
position of listening that he heard the Lord. At times,
we too can indulge in a personal pity party or gripe
session insinuating that Lord and others are treating us
unfairly. If instead of complaining, we quiet ourselves
before the Lord and assume a listening attitude, the still
small voice of God within will lead us in the tasks we
are to accomplish for His glory.
The Psalmist prays with confidence to the God who
in the past has favored his forefathers and can surely do
the same for him and his people. The prayer is very
intense, reminiscent of Jesus’ prayer in the garden when
about to be arrested, scourged and crucified. …He
(Jesus) was in such agony and He prayed so fervently
that His sweat became like drops of blood falling on the
ground” (Luke 22:42-44).
Sometimes our attitude towards prayer is too
casual. “Well, it can’t hurt to pray; it may even help so
why not pray.” Instead of praying with a passionate and
burning faith that God will supply whatever is best for
me.
Paul expresses sadness that his kinsmen reject Jesus
Christ as Lord and Messiah despite receiving covenant
promises and blessings. Similarly, we may grieve when
those we love, who have received the sacraments, took
part with us in worship and heard God’s promises in
scripture choose to stay away from the Church.
What can we do? First, know that God wishes all
people to be saved, not condemned (John 3:16-17) and
take every opportunity through prayer and witness to
make the Lord known; hoping for a genuine conversion.
Second, exercise prudent judgment to assure our aid or
involvement with someone in need does not enable
their continued poor choices or harmful behavior
patterns. Third, avoid judging the status of anyone’s
eternal soul: leave that to God alone. Instead, mirror the
Lord’s patience, don’t give up on anyone, and pray,
persistently.
In today’s gospel, Jesus, once again, shows power
over nature and fear. Peter steps out to walk on water,
but falters when he takes his eyes off Jesus, “Lord, save
me!” Jesus chides Peter for his small faith and frequent
doubting, but rescues in times of trouble.
When we pray, “Lord, save me,” Jesus, the constant
watchman, prevents us from sinking.
Since God is perfect, faithful, and eternal and we
are flawed, fickle, and temporal, we can rejoice that he
is readily available and easily accessible. He is present
through; strong wind (Holy Spirit), crushed rocks
(divine power), earthquake (shaking our earth-linked
foundations), fire (purifying from sin) and a tiny
whisper (teaching us to listen closely). He is present in
His Church, in the Sacraments and in the Scriptures. If
we cannot find God where we are, we will not find him
anywhere.
In what circumstances have you ignored even the
most obvious signs of God’s presence? Jesus said, take
courage, it is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27b). A
contrite heart will not spurn Christ’s invitation.
What fears should you give to Jesus now?
Deacon Ralph Torrelli lives in Hattiesburg and is
assigned to St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Visit his web-
site:
1st Reading: 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a
Responsorial Psalm: 85:9, 10, 11-12, 13-14
2nd Reading: Romans 9:1-5
Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33
19th Sunday of Ordinary Time Lord, save me!
Deacon Torrelli
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