By the Rev. Robert Blezard
Revised Common Lectionary Reflection for Proper 14, Year A
August 9, 2026
Key text: [Eli cried to the Lord,] “I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” -1 Kings 19:10
Death threats came swiftly and furiously after Pope Leo criticized America’s war in Iran earlier this year. An intimidation campaign to silence the Pontiff even extended to his brother, who received a bomb threat (phony) at his home outside Chicago. But Pope Leo would not be quiet.
Certainly, God’s work of speaking truth and confronting evil brings consequences, even risks. Angry opponents may push back and threaten reprisals. Just ask Eli. This week’s reading finds God’s mighty prophet overcome with fear and cowering in a cave hideaway.
Not only prominent religious leaders and prophets know the hazards of speaking truth to a culture that glorifies lies and evil. Many of us experience it as we talk about issues of the day in light of our faith. From employers, coworkers, acquaintances – even friends and family – we risk job loss, social media harassment, hostility, fractured relationships and ostracization. (How many families dread Thanksgiving meals with relatives whose faith and politics are different?)
Our Christian faith and our Bible equip us with strong views on many issues raging in our world today – not only the wars in Gaza, Ukraine and Iran, but also widespread economic inequality, poverty, hunger, climate change, international relations, nuclear proliferation, toxic pollution, microplastics, prejudice, racism, oppression, to name but a few. In our increasingly divided world, it’s riskier than ever to speak out (as Pope Leo found out).
Navigating these turbulent waters is important as we consider how we are stewarding our faith. As Jesus followers, we often face situations where we are called to leave the safety of our comfort zones to confront injustice, systemic evil and untruth. The difficult part is discerning when and how best to step out whether in word or deed. We need God’s wisdom, encouragement and strength!
Preaching on 1 Kings 19:9-18 and Matthew 14:22-33 affords an opportunity to help God’s people to understand how to respond to our faith and call to stand up for truth, justice and goodness.
Like Eli, some Christians may feel that their faithful perspective on issues of the day makes them isolated, vulnerable and alone, even among fellow church members. The word of the Lord reassures Eli that he is not by himself – that thousands of others are serving God faithfully (v. 18). Eli is not alone, and neither are we.
And like Eli, we can await and expect the presence of the Lord to come to us –not in violent wind, an earthquake or fire, but in “sheer silence” (v. 19). The New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition translates verse 19’s last phrase as “sheer silence,” which is a change from the earlier Revised Standard Version’s more-relatable and -familiar “still small voice.” In encouraging congregants to listen quietly and patiently for a word from the Lord, a preacher might revert to the RSV’s rendering or that of another translation of the phrase. The New International Version offers “gentle whisper.” (Ahh!)
Moved to speak or to act in tricky situations where there may be consequences, possibly dire ones, we always pray for God’s guidance and wisdom for what we say or do. In some cases, we may understandably fear the costs of speaking or acting, but we ought not be immobilized by that fear. This week’s Matthew reading provides a good teaching about courage and strength.
On a boat crossing the sea, the disciples are terrified to see Jesus walking on the water. Following Jesus’ command, Peter steps out of the boat to join him. Peter actually takes a few steps on water before fear overtakes him and he sinks. “Lord, save me!” (14:30), Peter cries. Catching Peter, Jesus reproaches him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” (v. 31).
Why, indeed? We know why Peter doubts and fears. The reason is very near to us whenever we are commanded to leave the security of our “boat” (whether it be our social position, our job, our family status, our friendships, our self-image) and step out in faith. Peter doubts and fears for the same reason that we are silent, hesitant or unduly circumspect in the face of the world’s injustice, lies or evil. Peter doubts and fears because he is, after all, human. From Peter’s experience we learn that Jesus is with us, will catch us, give us strength and help us.
A sermon could challenge God’s people to identify when fear has kept them from acting or speaking out over an issue where our faith encourages us to take a stand. When and why have they been reluctant to “get out of the boat”? How might they invite God to give them strength, wisdom, discernment and courage?
In worship
Whether it is your congregation’s priority or that of your church region or denomination, every church maintains priority issues on which they are seeking involvement. It may be working with undocumented aliens, incarcerated people, advocating for fair housing policies, protesting foreign or military policies, standing up for oppressed minorities, pointing out corruption or wrongdoing, calling out racism or circulating a petition seeking to correct an injustice. This week, publicize church and community opportunities for service and participation. Maybe prominently in the worship bulletin or posted on a bulletin board. During announcements or a Temple talk, invite leaders to discuss ways to “step out of the boat.”
With youth
Whether it’s racial injustice, generational wealth inequality or climate change, youth and young adults are disturbed by the problems in the world. And many want to do something about them. Invite youth to identify the issues they are most concerned about and to come up with ideas for steps they can take to address them. Bringing into the discussion the issue of fear as experienced by Eli in the 1 Kings reading or Peter in the Matthew reading, ask them to identify what might keep them from following through on the action steps they identified earlier. What are the sources of anxiety or reluctance? How can our faith in God assist us in finding the courage and strength to speak up or act out?
With children
In a children’s message or time with the youngest saints, ask them to think of a time when they saw a friend get teased or picked on. Maybe somebody called them a name. How did they feel? Then go on with a story you prepare, a hypothetical case of a boy who is being teased in school while his friends stand by. What might the friends do? Listen to and respond to the children’s suggestions. Reminding them that Jesus wants us to love everybody, suggest that friends might tell the teasers to stop. They could stick up for their friend and comfort him. Acknowledge that it’s sometimes hard to do the right thing, and we can pray to God for strength.
Previously published reflections for the 11th Sunday after Pentecost, Proper 14A:
2020- Faith, doubt, and taking swimming lessons
2017- Stay in the Boat, Steward!
2014 – Jesus > Chaos + Fear + Doubt
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