August 9, 2026 - 19th Sunday of Ordinary Time
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
In this Sunday’s Gospel, the disciples find themselves in the middle of a storm. Their boat is being tossed by the waves, the wind is against them, and they are afraid. It is in the darkest hours of the night that Jesus comes to them, walking on the water. At first, they do not recognize Him. Thinking He is a ghost, they cry out in fear. But Jesus immediately reassures them: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” How often we find ourselves in similar storms. We worry about our families, our health, our finances, the future, or the challenges facing the Church. At times it may seem that Jesus is distant or silent. Yet today’s Gospel reminds us that the Lord is never absent. He comes to us, often in unexpected ways, and His first words are always words of hope: “Do not be afraid.”
Peter’s response is both courageous and deeply human. At Jesus’ invitation, he steps out of the boat and begins walking on the water. As long as his eyes remain fixed on Christ, he does the impossible. But when he notices the strength of the wind, fear overwhelms him, and he begins to sink. Immediately, Jesus stretches out His hand and saves him. Peter’s experience is our own. When we focus on our fears, our problems, and our limitations, discouragement can overwhelm us. But when we keep our eyes fixed on Christ, we discover strength we never knew we had. Faith does not remove every storm from our lives; rather, it gives us the confidence that Christ is with us in the midst of every storm.
The first reading offers another powerful lesson. The prophet Elijah expects to encounter God in dramatic signs—a powerful wind, an earthquake, and fire. Instead, God reveals Himself in a tiny whispering sound, a gentle breeze. God often speaks quietly in prayer, in the Scriptures, in the Eucharist, and through the kindness and encouragement of others. In a world filled with constant noise and distractions, we need moments of silence to recognize His presence.
As we celebrate the Eucharist this Sunday, let us ask the Lord to strengthen our faith. May we trust Him even when life becomes difficult, listen for His gentle voice amid the noise of daily life, and keep our eyes fixed on Him. Then, whatever storms we face, we will hear His reassuring words: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
May God bless you and your family always!!!
Fr. Stan
