August 9, 2026
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
The Fourth Watch
During the fourth watch of the night, [Jesus] came to them walking on the sea.
Matthew 14:25

Jesus comes to his struggling apostles “during the fourth watch.” That was the last watch from 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. And some say, the longest and most difficult watch of the night.

In other Scripture passages, God comes to people in silence, stillness and light. Think Elijah in the cave. But here Jesus comes to his panicky apostles amid deafening noise, total upheaval and utter darkness. He comes when the apostles’ world is falling apart—they’re exhausted and on the brink of death. Peter expresses their total desperation when, as he begins to sink into the sea, he cries out, “Lord, save me!” (See verse 30.) It is only when he grasps the outstretched hand of Jesus that the storm begins to subside and the apostles arrive safely with Jesus on the shore.

When we are battling mighty storms of desperation, let us cry out to Jesus and grasp his hand. For he is the Lord of all the watches of our life.

Large full blue moon rises brightly over the calm ocean creating sparkles across the waves. Image by ricardoreitmeyer| stock.adobe.com

- Sr. Melannie Svoboda, S.N.D.

1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a ✚ Psalm 85:9-14 ✚ Romans 9:1-5 ✚ Matthew 14:22-33
Large full blue moon rises brightly over the calm ocean creating sparkles across the waves. Image by ricardoreitmeyer | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

Sunshine
August 9, 2026 at 02:51 PM

Good morning L.F.F. Sunshine here. Yes, CBR, We pray out to the Holy Spirit, Father God, Our Most Blessed virgin Mother Mary, Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, All Heavenly Angels and Saints, Guardian Angels and Unemployed Guardian Angels, Amen, Amen, Amen We Rebuke the evil monster in JESUS' ALMIGHTY and POWERFUL NAME. Much love and respect Sunshine

freeter
August 9, 2026 at 02:31 PM

Amen. :)

Salina (not in control)
August 9, 2026 at 12:16 PM

*** We learn that Jesus sent the disciples out into the storm in Matthew 14:22, “Right away Jesus made the disciples get into the boat. He had them go on ahead of Him to the other side of the Sea of Galilee. Then He sent the crowd away!” *** We learn that Jesus from land saw them in a storm in Mark 6:47-48a, “And when evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and He (Jesus) was alone on the land. And He saw that they were making headway painfully, for the wind was against them!” *** We learn that Jesus...
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Cheryl
August 9, 2026 at 10:35 AM

Amen

Scott
August 9, 2026 at 09:01 AM

Thani Sr.Melanie, I have another thought about this story. If Peter let his eyes on Jesus he would have made it safely to walk to him. His fear, anxiety, he was overwhelmed by the storm went to himself and started to sink. Yes, it is good to reach out to a Jesus. It is good to keep our hearts and eyes focused in n Jesus to give us strength to walk and run the race with perseverance.

CBR
August 9, 2026 at 08:58 AM

Jesus in my need of depression I will reach out to take your hand and you are always there I just half to believe that you are in Jesus name I pray Amen Amen Amen

MJ
August 9, 2026 at 08:48 AM

"When we are battling mighty storms of desperation, let us cry out to Jesus and grasp his hand. For he is the Lord of all the watches of our life." I so needed to be reminded of this today. Thank you for sharing this.

Robert
August 9, 2026 at 12:06 PM

CBR - Indeed, reach out to his hand as it is always there. You do not have to deal with your depression alone ( He is always with you) Believe and Trust. Prayers for you.

Gary
August 9, 2026 at 08:42 AM

"For he is the Lord of all the watches of our life". Thank you for your words today Sr. Melannie. Amen

Mike
August 9, 2026 at 09:11 AM

Amen

Patrick
August 9, 2026 at 08:15 AM

Your closing offers good advice Sr. Melannie, “let us cry out to Jesus and grasp his hand.” He is aways reaching out to us. ——— When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave. ——— "The more faithfully you listen to the voice within you, the better you will be able to hear what is sounding outside." ...Dag Hammarskjold.

Sarah
August 9, 2026 at 07:29 AM

"He is the Lord of all the watches of our life." Amen!

Large full blue moon rises brightly over the calm ocean creating sparkles across the waves. Image by ricardoreitmeyer | stock.adobe.com
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