Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Also Read: Mass Readings for 09 August 2026
First Reading: First Kings 19: 9a, 11-13
After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. (12-13)
Prophet Elijah couldn’t find the Lord in the wind that tore the mountains, or the earthquake, or the fire. But he could hear the whisper of the Lord after all the surrounding tumult! The Lord seeks obedient and humble hearts today! The hearts that are pliable and inclined to hear his words will be able to hear his whisper even today! We ask the Lord God, the Holy Spirit, to make our hearts eager to listen to His whispers! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 85: 9-14
The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his steps. (12-13)
Alleluia, Amen!
Second Reading: Romans 9: 1-5
The people of Israel — Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs, the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen. (4-5)
St. Paul here laments the unbelief of the Israelites, even when they have a divine heritage! Through God’s merciful plan of salvation, today, we find ourselves grafted onto the sonship of Almighty God. (Rom 11: 11 – 25) – St. Paul explains that some were cut off because of their unbelief, and some were grafted through their belief in Christ Jesus! In Jesus, we have been called to be his brothers and sisters! We praise and thank the Lord, Amen, Alleluia!
Alleluia: Psalms 130: 5
Alleluia, Alleluia! I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope.
Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 14: 22-33
“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”
Prophet Elijah heard the Lord’s whisper, while St. Peter and the apostles saw the Lord walk on the storm! St. Peter even walked on that same stormy sea! After witnessing the Almighty God and beholding his power, the apostles didn’t need any further proof of Jesus’ Messiahship! We ask the humble and obedient apostles to intercede for us as we journey through the storms of life! As we cry out: “Lord, save us!” He immediately picks us up even if we stumble!
Let us always remind ourselves of the breastplate of righteousness, the truth girded in us, the helmet of salvation, footwear of peace, shield of faith, and the sword of the Spirit that we have! (Eph 6:11- 20) Let us guard our hearts with the righteousness and truth of being God’s children. Let us protect our thoughts in the salvific mystery that we are already saved! Let us hold up our shield of faith to thwart any attacks by our enemy! Let the Word of God be our combative tool as we march boldly in peaceful strides! Let us keep repeating the gospel truths, eg: Is 43:1-2, when in fear or doubt! St. Paul also says: “pray at every opportunity in the spirit” (Eph 6: 18) – meaning pray in tongues! We ask the Lord to grant us the gift of tongues if we haven’t yet received it! In Jesus’ name, Amen!
Praise God, Happy Sunday, Everyone!
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