Gospel: August 3, 2026
August 3, 2026 (Monday)
18th Week in Ordinary Time
Psalter: Week 2 (Green)
Ps 119:29, 43, 79, 80, 95, 102
Lord, teach me your statutes.
1st Reading: Jeremiah 28:1-17*
Gospel: Matthew 14:22-36
Immediately, Jesus obliged his disciples to get into the boat and go ahead of him to the other side, while he sent the crowd away. And having sent the people away, he went up the mountain by himself, to pray. At nightfall, he was there alone. Meanwhile, the boat was very far from land, dangerously rocked by the waves, for the wind was against it.
At daybreak, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea. When they saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, thinking that it was a ghost. And they cried out in fear. But at once, Jesus said to them, “Courage! Don’t be afraid. It’s me!” Peter answered, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
Jesus said to him, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water to go to Jesus. But seeing the strong wind, he was afraid, and began to sink; and he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately stretched out his hand and took hold of him, saying, “Man of little faith, why did you doubt?”
As they got into the boat, the wind dropped. Then those in the boat bowed down before Jesus, saying, “Truly, you are the Son of God!”
They came ashore at Gennesaret. The local people recognized Jesus and spread the news throughout the region. So they brought to him all the sick people, begging him to let them touch just the hem of his cloak. All who touched it became perfectly well.
Reflection:
He is sovereign over all.
The gospel reveals a profound revelation of Jesus’ divine power and authority. Fear grips the disciples’ hearts as they are caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee. Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, Jesus approaches, walking on the water and defying nature itself. His presence proclaims a powerful truth: no force, storm, or adversity is beyond His control.
This passage invites us to reflect on the storms of our lives—those moments of doubt, fear, and struggle. Like the disciples, we may feel overwhelmed, lost, or incapable of facing life’s challenges. Yet Jesus assures us, through His actions, that He is sovereign over all. He walks through the storm, approaching us with steadfast love and reassurance.
In our moments of weakness, let us remember this image of Jesus: calm, unwavering, and victorious over the waves. With faith in His divine authority, we too can rise above life’s storms, secure in the knowledge that He is always near, ready to extend His hand of peace and strength.
