8/8/26 Mass
The Universal Catholic Church
I find it so beautiful that there is a young catholic woman across the world, very similar to me. She attended Mass today too, and heard the same readings. I am truly in awe of this concept: that we are connected with other Catholic churches across the seas, and in approximately 7,000+ languages we understand each other through the word of God. I hope today’s Gospel touched your heart the same way it did to mine, and if it didn’t…I would love to let you know what I learned from it.
8/8/26 Gospel Reading
Matthew 14:22-33
Then he made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. But immediately he spoke to them, saying, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
Reflection
The Importance of Stillness
“after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up into the hills by himself to pray.”
Be honest: when was the last time you sat in silence? No phone screen, no TV noise, no social media, no music. If you are constantly polluting your head with distractions, you start to become uneasy with silence and uncomfortable being your own company. Jesus himself took a break from the busy crowd to pray alone in the hills. I challenge you to do the same. Silence is powerful, and it can become a part of your routine. For example, when you wake up, pray before picking up your phone. Or, turn off the music for a short drive. And even more simply, put aside 10 minutes a day for complete silence in prayer. We tend to hear God’s voice when we limit the distractions. Learn to be comfortable in stillness.
Come to Jesus
“Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus”
When you hear God calling for you, answer and follow. You may have the question: But How Do I know if He is Calling Me? The answer to that is this: God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, Jesus, who died a brutal death so that we may rejoice together in Heaven. He is calling you to come home and spread love. We attend Mass, pray, and read the bible in his name so that we may feel at peace. He loves us so much and calls out to us when we visit stillness. If you are struggling to follow God, pray to Him in silence and go home to our Lord. And without a doubt, drop your things and follow him.
Trust God’s Plan for You
“Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “O man of little faith, why did you doubt?
Patience. I am here to tell you this: It is in God’s Will. The waiting season is sometimes difficult, just waiting and waiting for your prayers to be answered. It may seem as if this season just gets worse and more difficult as time goes on. But have faith. Have faith in times of trial. Jesus reaches out his hand to us; he is always there. Continue to have faith, and the lord will provide when you least expect it. He loves you, and he is willing. Do not doubt the love of the Lord; just take a second to look back at all your answered prayers!.. You are surrounded by them. This too shall pass.
