Newsletter August 9th 2026 / 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Reflection: Walking on the Waves

Have you ever felt like Peter in this Sunday’s Gospel (Matthew 14:22–33)?

Jesus calls him out of the safety of the boat, and for a brief, beautiful moment, Peter is walking on water. But then he notices the strong wind, fear creeps in, and he begins to sink.

· How often do we find ourselves stepping out in faith—starting a new chapter, facing a health crisis, or simply trying to live our Catholic values in a challenging world—only to be distracted by the howling winds of anxiety, doubt, and division?

· Notice what Peter does the second he begins to sink. He doesn’t try to swim harder. He doesn’t panic in silence. He prays the shortest, most urgent prayer in Scripture: “Lord, save me!” And immediately, Jesus reaches out His hand and catches him.

· In our first reading this week, the prophet Elijah learns that God is not found in the roaring wind, the earthquake, or the fire, but in a “whisper of a gentle breeze” (1 Kings 19:12). God isn’t absent from the storms of our lives; rather, He invites us to listen past the chaos to hear His reassuring voice.

· St. Paul reminds us in our second reading of the profound depth of God’s covenant and love for His people—a love that holds us even when we feel overwhelmed.

This week, whatever winds are buffeting your life, remember that taking your eyes off the storm and fixing them on Jesus doesn’t mean the wind stops blowing. It means you are anchored by the One who rules the sea. When the waves rise, don’t look down—just reach out your hand.

“O God, who would have Saint Peter come to you across the water, grant that, neither frightened by the winds nor sinking in the waves, we may joyfully reach you, our true and lasting shore. Through our Lord Jesus Christ…”

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