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Gospel Reading for August 09, 2026 – Matthew 14: 22-33
CONSISTENT
After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray. When it was evening he was there alone.
Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore, was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it. During the fourth watch of the night, he came toward them walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified. “It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear. At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to him in reply, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened; and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” After they got into the boat, the wind died down. Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God.”
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Jesus had just fed the five thousand men, not including the women and children. A miracle of such magnitude would have been a perfect opportunity to boast that he could do it because he is truly the Son of God. Instead, he went up the mountain alone to pray—perhaps to thank the Father for allowing him to perform such a great act of charity, or perhaps to return to his center so that he could remain focused on his mission rather than on his accomplishment.
Peter’s seemingly great faith enabled him to walk on the water toward Jesus, yet even before he reached him, he began to sink.
Our faith must be CONSISTENT. We cannot believe in Jesus one moment and doubt him the next. When we pray for a very special intention, we must believe wholeheartedly, trusting completely and waiting for his answer—in his time and in his way. We need to focus on Jesus and not be distracted by other things around us.
Lord Jesus, your words, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid,” are deeply reassuring. Help us always to place our faith and trust in you.
