Discerning the Will of God in Our Lives

22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 30, 2026

Readings: Jeremiah 20:7–9; Psalm 63:2–6, 8–9; Romans 12:1–2; Matthew 16:21–27

The question that always remains with us is whom to follow, which ideology to imbibe, who the trustworthy people are in our circles, and how we can navigate the complexities of the world and still fix our gaze on our God. There are many pulls from every side. Every ideology and direction that we take seems to be right. In this context, we have the awesome readings on this 22nd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Each one is inviting us to look into the deeper reality of life and look at God, who gives us that direction and roadmap.

1. We can believe in Jesus and still misunderstand Him

Last week's Gospel gave us an astonishing answer from Peter to Jesus' question: "Who do people say I am? "The answer was straightforward: "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." With this, Jesus bestowed upon Peter the role of leader of the Church. The very next scene follows this week. Unfortunately, not the nicest one, as Peter tells Jesus that all the suffering and death that he might be going through should be stopped at any cost. Peter believes that he must protect Jesus and is ready to thwart any attempt on Jesus. However, in the mind of Jesus, Peter goes wrong here. 

Growing in Knowledge and Wisdom of God

 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 23, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 22:15, 19–23; Psalm 138:1–3, 6, 8; Romans 11:33–36; Matthew 16:13–20

The Giving of the Keys to Saint Peter by Pietro Perugino

“Know thyself” is a common expression that is often used today and was first inscribed at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, in ancient Delphi, Greece. We can know about ourselves in various ways. When you know yourself, you can achieve many things in the best possible way. Self-ignorance might leave a person in distress or frustration. Knowledge of oneself is a must to win, conquer, or at least navigate tough situations. Jesus knew about himself. However, he wanted to know what others think about him. The liturgical readings on the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time give us a beautiful account of Jesus' popularity among the masses. In other words, the readings invite us to grow in knowledge and wisdom of God in every day of our lives. 

1. The person of Jesus to oneself and others

The Gospel of Matthew 16:13–20 presents a decisive moment in the relationship between Jesus and his disciples. Jesus asks two questions: “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” and, more importantly, “But who do you say that I am?” The first question concerns public opinion; the second demands personal faith. Christianity ultimately is not merely about knowing what others say about Jesus. It is about discovering and proclaiming who Jesus is for me.

When God's Face Shines on Us

20th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 16, 2026

Readings: Isaiah 56:1, 6–7; Psalm 67:2–3, 5, 6, 8; Romans 11:13–15, 29–32; Matthew 15:21–28

Juan de Flandes: Christ and the Canaanite Woman
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/-yUotv31b2o

Persistence and a never-give-up attitude are what keep us going in times of suffering and failure. When things become difficult, our thoughts usually turn to giving up. The situation, circumstances and people around us, instead of encouraging us to hold on to our goal, discourage us and even influence us to give up. Often, people give many reasons why you should not hold on to your convictions. Their passive attitude can influence us greatly. However, if we are firm in our faith, we can overcome difficult situations, including our health issues. A positive mind with perseverance will win ultimately. The liturgical readings on this 20th Sunday in Ordinary Time give us a beautiful experience of how repeated requests do not go unrewarded.

1. A Faith That Refuses to Give Up

The Gospel of Matthew 15:21–28 presents us with a deeply moving encounter between Jesus and a Canaanite woman. At first, the episode appears uncomfortable: Jesus seems silent, distant, and even harsh toward the woman. Yet beneath this difficult conversation lies a profound message about faith, perseverance, humility, inclusion, and the boundless mercy of God. The Canaanite woman comes to Jesus with a desperate plea: “Have pity on me, Lord, Son of David! My daughter is tormented by a demon.”

She is a Gentile, an outsider to the Jewish community, and therefore someone who would normally be considered outside the community. Not ours. Yet she approaches Jesus with extraordinary confidence. Jesus does not immediately respond. The disciples even ask Him to send her away. But she does not leave. She cannot be stopped. She makes her point. Her faith is not dependent on receiving an immediate answer. She believes even when God appears silent.

2. Faith is Tested in Difficult Moments

The woman's faith goes through several tests. First, Jesus is silent. Then the disciples seem to reject her. Finally, Jesus tells her: “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” Yet she continues. She comes closer and says simply: “Lord, help me.” These three beautiful words are enough to reach God. We do not need elaborate, lengthy prayers. It's enough to say: “Lord, help me.” When we are exhausted, confused, grieving, anxious, or disappointed, we may not know what to say. The prayer of the Canaanite woman can become our own prayer: “Lord, help me.”

The Canaanite woman teaches us: God's silence is not necessarily God's absence. There are moments when we pray, and nothing seems to happen. We ask for healing, guidance, reconciliation, employment, peace in the family, or strength in difficult circumstances—and God seems silent. Sometimes faith means continuing to pray when we do not understand what God is doing.

3. Humility Opens the Door to Grace

Despite Jesus being a bit harsh towards the woman because she is an outsider, the great humility of the woman is inspiring. Her attitude of trust and reverence for Jesus and her inner conviction that the Messiah of the Jews will give something she asks for is worth pondering. The woman does not become angry or walk away; instead responds with  humility: “Please, Lord, for even the dogs eat the scraps that fall from the table of their masters.” We make judgments about people based on their religion, caste, social status, education, wealth, nationality, background, past mistakes, or social standing.

We often expect too many things from God. We want quick answers, immediate solutions, etc. We demand from God. We don't need big trophies from God. We need only a small portion of God's mercy. Jesus appreciates the great faith in the woman. In fact, the Gospel challenges our tendency to divide people into insiders and outsiders, worthy and unworthy, respectable and unacceptable. God's mercy is bigger than human boundaries.  Our faith becomes stronger when we pray not only for ourselves but for someone we love.

Questions for Self-Reflection

1. How strong is my faith when God seems silent, or my prayers appear unanswered?
2. Do I persevere in prayer, or do I easily become discouraged when I do not get what I ask for?
3. Do I sometimes judge people because of their background, status, religion, or past, instead of seeing their dignity as children of God?
4. What difficult situation in my life is God inviting me to face with greater faith and perseverance?

Concluding Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we come before You with humble and trusting hearts. Give us the faith and perseverance of the Canaanite woman, especially when our prayers seem unanswered and You appear silent. Teach us to place our struggles, our families, and our loved ones into Your merciful hands. Help us to welcome everyone without prejudice and to recognize Your presence in every person. May we never lose hope, but always dare to say, “Lord, help me.” Strengthen our faith and deepen our trust in Your unfailing love. We make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name. Amen.

- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ

E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net

Blog: Celebrate Faith

Video: YouTube

14 August 2026

God's Help in Times of Trouble

19th Sunday in Ordinary Time: August 09, 2026

Readings: 1 Kings 19:9, 11–13; Psalm 85:9–14; Romans 9:1–5; Matthew 14:22–33

St. Peter is Walking on the Water by Lluis-Borrassa
To listen to my audio-video reflections via YouTube, please click here: https://youtu.be/3si1QV1J0GY

Often we think that we are strong. We are not afraid of anyone. We keep going, until at an unexpected moment, a turn takes place. We think that we are failing. We are losing. There is no one to help. In fact, we are sinking. Our life is uncertain. As mortals and sinful persons, we cannot predict our future with certainty. There is nothing that is sure or certain. COVID-19 showed us that none of us are immune from ill health. Illness and death come at an unexpected hour. God can take us from this world at any time. In these fragile circumstances, our life teaches us a lot. We must hang on to someone who is more powerful than us. God, who gave us the possibility of making our life possible on this earth, knows how to strengthen us when we are sinking. The liturgical readings on this 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time invite us to see that God is our strength. We must listen to Him and never doubt His promises. 

1. Storms of life come and go

The Gospel of this Sunday, Matthew 14:22–33, begins immediately after the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves. Jesus sends his disciples ahead by boat while he withdraws to the mountain to pray. The disciples, however, find themselves caught in the middle of a storm. The winds are against them, the waves threaten them, and darkness surrounds them. It is precisely in this moment of fear and helplessness that Jesus comes walking on the water.