Gospel for August 9 2026 – Matthew 14:22–33
Gospel Reflections for August 9 2026
Finding God in a storm…
In the first reading, Elijah is an Old Testament prophet who learns that God will speak to him soon. Moments later, there is a mighty windstorm, earthquake, and firestorm.
Sounds like God is talking, right? Those were the usual places that ancient people believed God spoke, but our first reading says those days are over. God speaks to Elijah not in frightening natural events, but in a small quiet voice that is personal …and just for him to hear.
Elijah was wise and not distracted by what others said was God’s voice, or all these wild natural events, but kept his attention on the authentic voice of God.
In the Gospel, Peter and the disciples are on a small boat in a large stormy sea. That must have been terrifying. People then were frightened by the sea. Yet, Jesus boldly invites Peter to actually get out of the boat …and even walk on the raging waves …would you have gotten out?
Amazingly, Peter does get out and walks on the water toward Jesus. While He keeps his eyes on Our Lord, he remains afloat, but when he takes notice of the storm and takes his eyes off Jesus …he begins to sink. He should have followed Elijah’s good example!
Windstorms, earthquakes, and firestorms are all natural events. We do not place any special revelation from God in any of these. What God does reveal is the grace and wisdom He provides for your spiritually healthy response to natural challenges.
Our challenges today come from crime, violence, and war that arise from selfish human purposes. They are not from God at all. You will need His grace here as well to never let these sad events distract you from a life of love.
What is remarkable about Elijah and eventually …even Peter, is their having a strong focus on God and His message of love no matter what else was happening, whether windstorm, earthquake, or firestorm.
The world today can be a bewildering place of conflicting news stories, outrageous political claims and accusations, and even violent threats from rioters and mobs.
You can learn a lot from the example of Elijah and Peter. Never let anything distract you from your focus on God and His love for you.
Most especially, never let anything prevent you from showing His love to others, no matter what is going on in our world.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
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