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
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| St. Peter is Walking on the Water by Lluis-Borrassa |
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 the Ordinary Year invite us to see that God is our strength. We must listen to Him and never doubt in 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.
This incident is not about a miracle but about the journey of faith and trust. Often the boat is represented as the Church. Each one of us navigate turbulant waters of life. Storms come in many forms and various ways: illness, failure, broken relationships, uncertainty about the future, financial struggles, loneliness, or spiritual dryness. At times, we feel as though God is distant, while we struggle to keep our lives afloat.
2. Jesus never abandons
Often we are stuck with fear and anxiety rather than hope and courage. We don't find Jesus in such moments but find someone whom we never believed or experienced! The disciples of Jesus find in him a ghost. Fear clouds their vision. The same could happen to us. The disbelief takes over us. The absence of God in such moments becomes greater and stronger than the earlier experiences of his presence and peace. Even though Jesus seems absent, he is with the disciples in spirit. Often, we may not see Him, but He never loses sight of us.
In moments of suffering, especially if it is long, sudden or chronic, we sometimes fail to recognize God's presence. We wonder, "Where is God?" Yet He comes to us in unexpected ways—in the encouragement of a friend, in the strength to endure, in the quiet assurance during prayer, or through the Eucharist. We must take courage. Jesus never abandons His disciples. Then why should we abandon him in such a precious moment?
3. Taking courage has a value
Jesus has beautiful words of encouragement. "Take courage," he says. We must hear these words often. We must take courage and give encouragement to others. Fear has a way of paralyzing us, but faith enables us to move forward. Just like Peter, when we stop keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, we begin to sink.
How often does this happen in our own lives? We begin with confidence in God, but when we focus more on our problems than on His promises, anxiety overwhelms us. The Gospel teaches us that faith is not the absence of storms but the decision to keep our eyes on Christ in the midst of them. God's mercy is always quicker than our failures. Whenever we cry out sincerely, God is ready to lift us up. May this be our prayer today.
Questions for Personal Reflection
- What storms am I facing in my life today?
- Have I allowed fear to overshadow my trust in God?
- What distractions are causing me to take my eyes off Christ?
- How can I become a source of courage and hope for someone who is struggling?
Concluding Prayer
Lord Jesus, in the storms of my life, when fear overwhelms me, and uncertainty surrounds me, help me to hear your reassuring voice: "Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid." Teach me to keep my eyes fixed on you rather than on the waves of anxiety and doubt. When my faith falters, and I begin to sink, stretch out Your hand and lift me up. Grant me the courage to trust you completely, knowing that your presence is greater than every storm. May my life become a witness to your saving love, so that others too may recognize you as the Son of God. I make this prayer in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen.
- Fr Olvin Veigas, SJ
E-mail: olvinveigas@jesuits.net
Blog: Celebrate Faith
Video: YouTube
06 August 2026
