Sunday August 9, 2026, NINETEENTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR (A) 

FIRST READING

“Stand upon the mount before the Lord.”

*A reading from the first Book of Kings (1 Kings 19:9a.11-13a)*

In those days: When Elijah came to [Horeb the mount of God,] he lodged in a cave; and behold, the word of the Lord came to him. And he said, “Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

The word of the Lord

RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 85:8ab and 9.10-11.12-13 (R. 7)

R/. Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and grant us your salvation.

I will hear what the Lord God speaks;

he speaks of peace for his people and his faithful.

His salvation is near for those who fear him,

and his glory will dwell in our land. R/.

Merciful love and faithfulness have met;

justice and peace have kissed.

Faithfulness shall spring from the earth,

and justice look down from heaven. R/.

R/. Let us see, O Lord, your mercy, and grant us your salvation.

Also the Lord will bestow his bounty,

and our earth shall yield its increase.

Justice will march before him,

and guide his steps on the way. R/.

SECOND READING

“I would willingly be condemned if it would help my brother.”

*A reading from the Letter of Saint Paul to the Romans (Romans 9:1—5)*

Brethren: I am speaking the truth in Christ, I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit, that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that   I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the sonship, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and of their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.

The word of the Lord.

ALLELUIA Psalm130:5

Alleluia. I long for you, O Lord; my soul longs for his word.

Alleluia.

GOSPEL                                      

“Bid me to come to you on the water. ”   

*A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew (Matthew 14:22-33)*

[After the crowd was satisfied,] Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go before him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was many furlongs distant from the land, beaten by the waves; for the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking 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 for fear. But immediately he spoke to them, saying, “Take heart, it is I; have no fear.” And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, bid me come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus; but when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

The Gospel of the Lord.

THE CREED (I Believe) 

I believe in one God, the Father almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. I believe in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Only Begotten Son of God, born of the Father before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, consubstantial with the Father; through him all things were made. For us men and for our salvation he came down from heaven, and by the Holy Spirit was incarnate of the Virgin Mary, and became man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate, he suffered death and was buried, and rose again on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.  He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead and his kingdom will have no end. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is adored and glorified, who has spoken through the prophets. I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen.

PRAYER OF THE FAITHFUL

Celebrant:

*Our Father in heaven is indeed aware of our constant struggle with the hurdles of life. Trusting in his love, let us turn to him with our petitions.*

FOR THE POPE, BISHOPS AND PRIEST: that they may always find strength and tranquility of heart in the gentle presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Let us pray to the Lord.

FOR THOSE IN CIVIL AUTHORITY: that they may utilize their positions to give hope to the displaced, protection to the weak and comfort to the poor. Let us pray to the Lord.

FOR THOSE EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTIES IN LIFE: that, like St Peter, they may realize that God is all-powerful and always willing to calm the storms of their lives. Let us pray to the Lord.

FOR THE APPRECIATION OF SILENCE IN OUR WORSHIPPING COMMUNITY: that we may create quiet moments for meditation, and so allow God to speak to us in the calmness of our hearts. Let us pray to the Lord.

FOR OTHER INTENTIONS: (the sick, church projects or other activities).

FOR THE DEAD, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF OUR PARISH COMMUNITY AND FAMILY MEMBERS: that they may find eternal rest with the Lord. Let us pray to the Lord.

We pray in silence for our private intentions.

Celebrant:

*Ever-faithful Father, you are never late in attending to the needs of those who trust in you. Listen to the petitions of your children and grant them the patience they need to wait on you. Through Christ our Lord.*

R/. Amen.

TODAY’S REFLECTION

When you are in the presence of God, what image of God do you see? You might want God to appear like a violent wind that blows your enemies away. You might want him to appear like an earthquake or like fire to devour and burn unfaithful people to ashes. When God appears, his true manifestation humbles us and beats our imagination. Sometimes, our anguish or disturbed state of mind might condition the way we picture God. But God is not a fierce-looking mammon that frightens us or who wants to take vengeance on us. Through history, God has appeared and given abundant proof of his faithfulness, mercy, compassion and constant concern for our salvation. He is inviting us today to drop wrong notions of him and to share in his compassionate concern for his people. Jesus, I trust in you.

TODAY’S SAINT AND QUOTE: St Edith Stein– August 9th

- One cannot desire freedom from the Cross when one is especially chosen for the Cross.

- The nation doesn’t simply need what we have. It needs what we are.

PERSONAL DEVOTIONAL

“Do not store up riches for yourself here on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and robbers break in and steal. Instead, store up riches for yourself in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and robbers cannot break in and steal. For your heart will always be where your riches are. Matthew 6:19-21

- Pray for mercy for the times you have treasured earthly possessions at the expense of the kingdom.

- Pray for the spirit of detachment from created things.

- Pray for the grace to fix your mind on treasures above.

- Surrender all things to God; tell God to help you to let go of earthly treasure.

Let Us Pray,

*Please keep me safe from all dangers and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of this day with a clear mind, so that I can hear from you. Please broaden my mind so that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things that I have no control over. Moreover, this is the best response when I am pushed beyond my limits. I know that when I cannot pray, you listen to my heart. Continue to use me, O Lord, to do your will. Please, Lord, continue to use me so that I may be a blessing to others, especially those who are hurt and do not have any person to help them. Keep me strong that I may help the weak.  Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others in Jesus' name Amen.*