Monday of the Eighteenth Week in Ordinary Time, August 3, 2026

Gospel

Matthew 14:22-36

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.

Reflection

I’m sure we can all relate to Peter in today’s Gospel. There are moments in our lives when it feels easier to trust God and recognize His presence, and there are other times when fear, uncertainty, and overthinking begin to take over. We step out of our comfort zones, much like Peter stepping out of the boat, believing that we can do what God is asking of us. However, just as quickly, doubt creeps in and we start to focus on the storms around us rather than the One who is standing before us. Peter reminds us that while faith is not always easy or consistent, we do not have to struggle alone.

What is comforting about this Gospel is that Jesus does not abandon Peter when his faith falters. The moment Peter cries out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reaches out and catches him. This is a reminder that even when our faith is weak, God remains faithful.