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This week's readings teach us how to be attentive to the presence of God in our lives. In the first reading, Elijah was told to stand on the mountain before the Lord. He may have expected to experience the Lord's presence in the wind, earthquake or fire, all traditional manifestations of divine presence, but the Lord was not there. Instead Elijah unexpectedly found the Lord in the gentle breeze and he covered his face.

In the second reading Paul, a Jew who had come to faith in Jesus Christ is very conscious of the presence of God in his Jewish brothers and sisters. In this section from the letter to the Romans, Paul struggles with God's continuing relationship with the Jewish people to whom the covenant and the promises are given. Paul acknowledges that God does not go back on his promises.

The gospel reading relates how the disciples were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee in strong waters when they saw Jesus walking towards them. Jesus' action and dialogue with Peter shows that he has power over the elements and power to save. Peter has the faith to step out into the unknown but when he becomes aware of the strength of the wind his faith leaves him. At the end of the passage the disciples acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God.

How are we conscious of God's presence today? This week you are invited to spend some time alone as Elijah and Jesus did, and to reflect on your experience of God in the last few days. Was God present in the places you expected to find God or was it in some quiet unexpected moment?

Read the gospel to yourself and imagine Jesus asking you to step out into the unknown and walk on the waters. Notice your response.