When the Stormy Waters Come - Sermon for the Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost, August 9, 2026

SummaryIn this sermon, Mother Suzanne reflects on the story of Peter walking on water, drawing a powerful parallel between Peter's sinking and our own moments of desperation and doubt. Just as Jesus reached out his hand to Peter without hesitation, God is quietly and faithfully present with us in every storm we face. Mother Suzanne reminds us not to lose heart, for it is precisely in the most desperate moments that we are most open to receiving God's saving grace.THE GOSPEL                                                                                                                                              Matthew 14:22-33Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”