The Still Small Voice and the Storm: Finding God in the Silence and the Chaos

1Kgs 19:9a.11-13a, Psalm: 84, Rom 9:1-5, Mt 14:22-33

My dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

Today, the Word of God invites us into two scenes of profound encounter. The prophet Elijah stands on Mount Horeb, waiting for the Lord. A strong wind tears the mountains apart, an earthquake shakes the ground, and fire blazes—but the Lord is not in any of these. Then comes a “still small voice,” a whisper of silence, and Elijah covers his face, recognizing the presence of God. In the Gospel, the disciples are tossed by a storm on the Sea of Galilee. Jesus comes to them, walking on the water. Peter steps out in faith but sinks when he takes his eyes off the Lord. Jesus reaches out His hand and saves him.

Saint Paul, in the Letter to the Romans, speaks of his anguish for his own people, the Israelites. He says, “I have great sorrow and constant anguish in my heart.” He is willing to be “accursed” for their sake. Yet he recognizes that the promises of God have not failed. The love of God is greater than the rejection of His people. This is the heart of the Gospel: God’s faithfulness endures even when we falter.

Elijah learned that God does not always reveal Himself in the dramatic—the wind, the earthquake, the fire. He is found in the silence, the whisper, the gentle presence. Peter learned that faith is not about walking on water; it is about keeping his eyes on Jesus. When he looked at the waves, he sank. When he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus caught him and said, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

Pope Francis has said, “God speaks in silence, and we must learn to listen to His voice in the quiet of our hearts.” Saint John Paul II, in his apostolic letter Novo Millennio Ineunte, wrote, “We need to learn to contemplate the mystery of God’s silence, which is the space for His presence.”

What does this mean for us? We live in a noisy world—a world of constant distractions, endless notifications, and loud voices demanding our attention. Storms surround us: financial worries, health struggles, family conflicts, and doubts that rage like the wind. And we can feel like the disciples in the boat, terrified and alone.

But the Lord comes to us in the storm. He comes in the stillness of the early morning, in the quiet of the Eucharist, in the gentle whisper of Scripture. He calls us to step out of the boat of our fears and to walk toward Him. And when we sink, He reaches out His hand and catches us.

This week, let us seek the still small voice. Let us turn off the noise and listen for the Lord in the silence of our hearts. Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, who walks on the waters of our chaos and says, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” For the same God who spoke in the whisper to Elijah is the same God who reaches out His hand to save us—and He will not let us drown. Amen.

May God bless you all!

If this homily inspired you, please 

📱 Follow us on TikTok: @mmrvals
📺 Subscribe on YouTube: Myanmar RVA Language Services – YouTube

🙏 Prayer Request: Drop a comment below if you’d like us to pray for you or someone you love. We’ll remember you in our prayers!