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Gospel Reading for August 04, 2026 – Matthew 14: 22-36
TRULY BELIEVING
Jesus made the disciples get into a boat and precede him to the other side of the sea, 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 him, 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.”
After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed.
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The scene in today’s Gospel says a great deal about our daily lives and the storms that sometimes beset us. The strong waves that toss the boat about and the powerful winds that batter it represent the heavy problems we often have to endure—problems so overwhelming that we become afraid to face them. Like the disciples, we sometimes imagine ghosts where there are none, allowing fear and anxiety to cloud our judgment.
Yet it is precisely in these difficult moments that we realize we have a God who is all-powerful and ever-present. Through the Holy Spirit, he gives us the strength, wisdom, and courage we need to persevere. However, there are times when we begin to doubt whether we can truly depend on him, and it is this doubt that weakens us. TRULY BELIEVING that Jesus is the Son of God enables us to remain steadfast, face every challenge with wisdom, and overcome our fears.
In times of adversity, let us always remember the reassuring words of Jesus: “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” What seems “heavy” can become “heaven” when we place our complete trust in him.
Lord Jesus, we believe that you are truly the Son of God. Amen.
