https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081820.cfm

Jesus says: 'And anyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, wife, children or land for the sake of my name will be repaid a hundred times over, and also inherit eternal life'.

Try to find on earth anyone who repays so generously!

-Saint Josemaria, The Way, 670

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081720.cfm

Today's Gospel: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081620.cfm

To St. Catherine of Siena Jesus says: Do you know, daughter, who you are and who I am? If you know these two things you have beatitude in your grasp. You are she who is not, and I AM HE WHO IS. Let your soul but become penetrated with this truth, and the Enemy can never lead you astray; you will never be caught in any snare of his, nor ever transgress any commandment of mine; you will have set your feet on the royal road which leads to the fullness of grace, and truth, and light.

Mary points to the Ressurection on the last day and gives us reason to hope: Jesus Christ. 

This was originally recorded on the Feast of the Assumption, 2018. 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081520.cfm

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081420.cfm

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081220.cfm

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081120.cfm

Feast of Saint Lawrence.

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081020.cfm

"The holy martyrs followed Christ even to shedding their life’s blood, even to reproducing the very likeness of his passion. They followed him, but not they alone. It is not true that the bridge was broken after the martyrs crossed; nor is it true that after they had drunk from it, the fountain of eternal life dried up” (Saint Augustine, Sermo 304).

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/080920.cfm

“But when he saw how strong the wind was, he became frightened”

Fear does something to us. Fear chokes us, drowns us, makes us panic.

It is the same fear which arises in those grand moments when we encounter death and smaller moments of anxiety… In that moment of fear, we create a future in which God does not exist. At that moment I become the creator. I not only forget that God is there with me, but I also replace Him with myself and I know I am powerless. (Not only can’t I walk on water, but I can also barely swim!).

So, as a last resort, Peter turns to Jesus. “Lord, save me!”  God come to my assistance, Lord make haste to help me… a line from the psalms which priests and religious repeat every day, several times a day… its how we begin our prayer… not only when we are distressed… to make it very clear from the start of this first lesson. God is God and I am not. God is in control, and all will be fine, God can do the impossible and is content to do it through me and with me. God is with me, I have no reason for fear. In God is my hope… and I will never hope in vain.