THE ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
14th August 2026
Greetings,
I listened recently to a recording of Summer from Vivaldi's Four Seasons. It's a piece familiar to many, but listen to it carefully and it becomes apparent that Vivaldi's depiction of Summer is ambiguous to say the least. He was an asthmatic who lived in Venice, which, for all its grandeur, is a low-lying city on the swampy estuary of the River Po. In the Summer it can be utterly stifling, the unbearable heat moderated only by thunderstorms which themselves can be violent and terrifying. It is at its worst in early August, a time traditionally known as the dog days of Summer. It has nothing to do with dogs but corresponds with the rising of the Dog Star, Sirius, signifying the hottest and most uncomfortable time of year. Apart from the heat and the holidays, Summer seems spent and nature cries out for renewal.
In this Sunday's Old Testament reading (1 Kings 19.9-18), we encounter the prophet Elijah at his lowest ebb. He is the last faithful prophet alive in Israel and is a hunted man. On the run, he seeks refuge on Mount Horeb and in desperation prays for death. But at his lowest ebb, God comes to him, not in the dramatic gestures of earthquake, wind or fire, but in a still, small voice. It is the moment of his renewal and Elijah comes storming back to complete his work. The story is paired with the gospel account of Jesus walking on water (Matthew 14.22-33) which he only did after withdrawing to the hills for a time, apart from the crowds and the disciples. Both stories reinforce the truth that our strength, certainly in terms of character and purpose, is God-given, and that there are times when, in humility of heart, we must withdraw and wait upon God's renewing grace.
I have heard it said that when we reach the end of our reserves we are not beyond God resources. In those circumstances, it is important to acknowledge our need and to cultivate the patience of waiting. The natural world waits for the refreshing rains of Autumn. However you are spending these dog days of Summer, remember that God has a purpose for you, and if your reserves are low, the soft rains or renewing grace are surely not far away.
Blessings,
Charles Booth
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