Looking for God

Reflection for August 9, 2026 – Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus walks on water, making his way to calm the fear and unbelief of the disciples caught in the storm. Find the readings here.

What do we think when we see Jesus coming to save us?

The first thing the Apostles scream is “Ghost!” when they catch sight of Jesus walking towards them on water. That always makes me laugh. After all they have witnessed thus far as the companions of the Messiah, they see someone walking on water and they still react like extras in a bad episode of Scooby-Doo.

We are always more quick to believe a bad thing than a good thing. We can easily believe gossip and hearsay about a friend, but we fear being taken for a fool when it comes to faith. We would rather look cynical than stupid.

“Save me, God, for the waters have reached my neck,” reads Psalm 69. “My eyes fail, from looking for my God.”

I think back on my life, on all the various ways that God has rescued me from slipping beneath the surface. Rarely did it ever occur to me, in the midst of it, that I was being rescued. In fact, I usually thought I was being held underwater. Did I hear His voice directing me, or did I only hear my own despairing? “Save me, God.” Was I looking for Him, or were my eyes shut in fear? “My eyes fail, from looking for my God.”

It’s never until after the fact — sometimes years after, or decades — that we see things clearly. That we see Christ in the situation, making his way toward us, hand outstretched.

©LPi