First reading 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a
‘Stand on the mount before the Lord.’

In those days: Elijah reached Horeb, the mount of God. There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the LORD came to him. And he said, ‘Go out and stand on the mount before the LORD.’ And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.
________

Responsorial Psalm Psalm 85(84):9ab, 10. 11-12. 13-14. ℟8

Show us, O LORD, your mercy,
and grant us your salvation.

I will hear what the LORD God speaks;
he speaks of peace for his people and his faithful.
His salvation is near for those who fear him,
and his glory will dwell in our land.

Show us, O LORD, your mercy,
and grant us your salvation.

Mercy and faithfulness have met;
justice and peace have kissed.
Faithfulness shall spring from the earth,
and justice look down from heaven.

Show us, O LORD, your mercy,
and grant us your salvation.

The LORD will bestow his bounty,
and our earth shall yield its increase.
Righteousness will march before him,
and guide his steps on the way.

Show us, O LORD, your mercy,
and grant us your salvation.
________

Second reading Romans 9:1-5
‘I wish that I were accursed for the sake of my brothers and sisters.’

Brothers and Sisters: I am speaking the truth in Christ. I am not lying. My conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit — that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers and sisters, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed for ever. Amen.
________

Gospel Acclamation

Alleluia, alleluia.
I long for you, O LORD,
my soul longs for his word.
Alleluia.
________

Gospel Matthew 14:22-33
‘Command me to come to you on the water.’

After the crowd had eaten and were satisfied: Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way from the land, beaten by the waves, for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’ And Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, ‘Lord, save me.’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?’ And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’