The Catholic Morning Show

Peter Sinks, Jesus Saves: A Gospel Reflection for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Fr. Mike Mahoney – 08/07/2026

Episode Summary

Fr. Mike Mahoney, parochial vicar at St. Theresa Parish in Des Moines, previews the Gospel for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Matthew's account of Jesus walking on water and calling Peter out onto the sea. He reflects on why the disciples mistook Jesus for a ghost, what Peter's sinking moment reveals about doubt, and how refocusing on Christ restores peace amid life's chaos. It's a short, practical reflection to prepare your heart before Mass this Sunday.

Episode Notes

This Week's Gospel: Matthew 14:22-33 Fr. Mike Mahoney, parochial vicar at St. Theresa Parish in Des Moines, joins The Catholic Morning Show to preview this Sunday's Gospel reading for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 9, 2026) — the account of Jesus walking on water and inviting Peter to step out in faith.

Highlights from the reflection:

• From miracle to miracle — After last week's feeding of the five thousand, this week's Gospel shifts to Jesus walking on the sea and calming his terrified disciples.
• "Take courage. It is I. Do not be afraid." — Fr. Mahoney unpacks the disciples' fear and confusion, and how Jesus meets them in it.
• Peter's sinking moment — When Peter takes his eyes off Jesus, he begins to sink — a picture, Fr. Mahoney says, of what happens in our own lives when our focus shifts away from Christ.
• Refocusing brings peace — The reflection closes on a practical note: doubt and chaos often trace back to where our attention is fixed, and turning back to Jesus is what restores calm.

About Fr. Mike Mahoney Fr. Mike Mahoney serves as parochial vicar at St. Theresa Parish, 1230 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines, IA. Learn more about the parish and upcoming Mass times at St. Theresa Parish.

Follow along with this Sunday's readings Read the full readings for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (August 9, 2026) at USCCB Daily Readings.

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