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

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Matthew 14:22-36

Reflect on the Word // 

The smell of fresh rain began to fill the air as I watched the tall palm trees near my home sway to and fro, as gusts of wind began to increase. The sky was painted with thick, dark clouds, which reflected the darkness that was forming in my heart. Confusion and anguish were the relentless winds that refused to die down. This storm was crushing me and an even bigger blanket of darkness wrapped around my heart. I presumed that the Lord was distant from my agony and nowhere to be found.

What deeply struck my heart in today’s Gospel was that when the disciples saw Jesus walking on the sea, they were terrified.“‘It is a ghost,’ they said, and they cried out in fear” (Matthew 14:26). I was confused. How could the disciples not recognize their Savior, the Man with Whom they spent so much time, Whom they knew so intimately? I came to realize that in my own storm, I wasn't able to recognize Jesus. Like Peter, how easy it was for me to take my eyes off of Him, and be engulfed by my fear—to give more attention to my coping mechanisms and doubts, instead of going to Him. 

It’s been five years since that storm took place in my heart, and I still find myself grieving and doubting in certain areas—but  Jesus is still there. To be with me, to listen, to allow the areas of my heart that are still “stormy” to be vulnerably exposed. Not for Him to hurt, but to heal. 

This is true for you too sister. Allow His voice saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:26), to penetrate your heart. It is He Who remains with you when the storms of life take place. And when the storm’s impact rises up in your heart unexpectedly, He’s still there. Keep going back to His gaze. Even if it takes a lifetime to shift into this rhythm of returning to Him, He remains. Always and forever. 

Relate to the Lord // Spend five minutes turning your attention back to His gaze. Do not be afraid to look at Him–or let Him look at you.