Guest Post by: David Tonaszuck
A reflection on the Gospel of Matthew 14:22-33
My brothers and sisters, I want to begin today by telling you the story of a man—let’s call him Michael. Michael was a faithful husband to his wife, who had been handicapped for many years. He worked hard throughout his life, building a career in an office, supporting his family with love and quiet strength. But as the years went by, he found himself facing the challenge that so many in our world know too well—he was laid off, not because of his work ethic or his skills, but simply because of his age.
Michael had more degrees than most of us could hope for—multiple Master’s, years of experience, and the sort of reputation that makes people smile when they hear your name. Still, every application, every interview ended the same way: “We’re sorry, but we’re looking for someone else.” Each rejection stung, not just for what it meant for his own future, but for his wife as well.
Yet Michael refused to give up. He decided that if the world would not give him a job, he would make one himself. He studied, he passed test after test, he learned the ins and outs of financial advising, determined to help others navigate the stormy waters of their own lives. But it wasn’t easy. Each day brought a new challenge—one day it was marketing, the next it was finding clients, the next it was another bill he wasn’t sure he could pay. It felt, he later said, as if he was stuck in a tiny boat, far from shore, battered by winds and waves, and never sure if he would make it.
There were times when Michael felt completely alone. His friends could not help. His efforts seemed to disappear into nothing. He wondered if his boat—his life, his hope—might finally sink.
Jesus Prevents You From Sinking
And yet, in the midst of the storm, Michael did something powerful: he prayed. He sat in silence with Jesus. He poured out his heart, his worries, his fears. And in that moment, in the quiet, he heard Jesus say, “All will be well. Have faith. Trust in the Father’s timing. I am with you.”
And so, day by day, Michael kept rowing. He kept trying. Little by little, something changed—not in the world around him, but inside. His fear began to fade. His trust in Jesus grew. And then, as if the wind itself had calmed, clients began to come. His business grew. His debts started to shrink. And Michael found himself not only able to support his wife and children, but to help others, too.
This, my friends, is the message of today’s Gospel. The disciples, after the miracle of the loaves and fishes, are out on the sea. Jesus is not with them. The winds are against them, and they are miles from the safety of the shore. In the middle of the night, when their fear is greatest, Jesus comes to them, walking on the water. They do not recognize Him at first. They are terrified. But Jesus says, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Peter, like Michael in the story, wants to believe. He steps out of the boat, but when he sees how strong the wind is, he begins to sink. He cries, “Lord, save me!” And immediately, Jesus reaches out His hand. He catches Peter, and the storm dies down.
Our lives are often like that boat, far from shore, tossed by waves and wind. We face storms—illness, job loss, loneliness, fear. We feel alone, adrift, and helpless. Yet, through Jesus, we are never alone. He comes to us in the storm, even when we do not recognize Him. He calls us to trust, to step out in faith, even when the waves are high.
St. Teresa of Avila once wrote, “Let nothing disturb you, let nothing frighten you, all things are passing away: God never changes. Patience obtains all things. Whoever has God lacks nothing; God alone suffices.” Michael discovered this truth. So did Peter. So can we.
How do we find Jesus in our storms? Through prayer—honest, raw, simple prayer, like Michael’s. Through the Sacraments—especially the Eucharist, where Jesus feeds us, strengthens us, and assures us that He is with us. When we receive Him, we are united to Him, and we are never alone in our struggles.
The Holy Spirit, too, is always at work, guiding us closer to Jesus. Sometimes it’s a whisper in the heart—a moment of peace, a nudge to help someone else, a reminder to trust. Sometimes it’s through the words and deeds of those around us, or the inspiration to reach out to someone in need. Every act of charity, every word of encouragement, every moment of patience and forgiveness is the Spirit at work, making us beacons of God’s love in the world.
So, if you feel today that you are far from shore, battered by waves, remember: Jesus is coming to you. He is with you. Have faith. Take courage. Through Him, you will make it through every storm. And as you do, you will become a beacon for others, guiding them to the safety and love of God.
Let us give thanks and praise and glory to our LORD God—for His love, sent to us through Jesus and the Holy Spirit. May we always trust in His presence, and may our faith bring us, and all those we love, safely home.
About Our Guest Blogger
Saint Carlo Acutis once said, “Not me, but God.” His words echo deeply in my own spiritual life. This blog is not about me, but about the work of the Holy Spirit. I choose to remain anonymous because the voice behind these reflections isn’t what matters — the One speaking through them is.
I am a lifelong Catholic with a deep love for Scripture, the sacraments, and the quiet ways God speaks through everyday life. Live the Eucharist was born from my desire to share how the Gospel and the Eucharist shape not just my Sundays, but every step of the journey.
My hope is that these reflections bless you, challenge you, and draw you closer to Jesus — truly present in the Eucharist and profoundly present in your daily life.
