Reflection –Our initial reaction to Peter’s attempt to walk on water is probably sympathy: he clearly believes that Jesus can make it possible for him to walk on water… but on this water? …right now? Peter has made a fundamental mistake though. He says “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you”. He is putting the Lord to the test (cf. Deuteronomy 6:16) just as Satan tried to do in the desert following Jesus’ baptism.
Mass readings.
19th Sunday of the Year – A, 8th & 9th August 2026
1st Reading: 1 Kings 19: 9a, 11-13a
Responsorial Psalm. Show us, O Lord, your mercy, and grant us your salvation
Second Reading: Romans 9: 1-5
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia, alleluia …I long for you, O Lord, my soul longs for his word ………… Alleluia
Gospel: Matthew 14: 22-33
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PARISH UPDATES:
Mass Bookings. We are reminded that the booking of mass for our special intentions, wedding anniversaries, Birthday thanksgiving, Death anniversaries of our loved ones and general prayers is highly recommended. The mass stipends (Donations) are part of our contribution towards the good of the church and support of our priest. Please state the church you want mass said and the date. A week’s notice is advised.
Monthly Standing Orders – There are still a small number of parishioners paying a monthly standing order to the Bank of Scotland. As this account is closing this year, it’s important that you transfer your standing order across to the church’s Royal Bank of Scotland account. If you don’t have the details, please contact George, Parish Administrator on office.stcuthbertsedinburgh@staned.org.uk.
Publications – There are some back copies of the International Catholic Weekly, (The Tablet) in the porch. Feel free to help yourself to a copy. There are also a small number of Mass cards in the porch for sale.
ARCHDIOCESAN UPDATES
National Youth Pilgrimage – The National Youth Pilgrimage (for ages 18–35) will take place on Saturday 26 September 2026 at Pluscarden Abbey. This year’s pilgrimage will focus on religious and monastic life and will include a tour of the Abbey, a Q&A with the monks, talks on vocation, and a Vigil Mass with Archbishop Cushley. Young people are invited to travel with the Archdiocese. To register or enquire, please contact youth.office@staned.org.uk.
Altar Servers – The Annual Day for Altar Servers takes place on Saturday 5 September from 10:30am to 3:00pm at The Gillis Centre in Edinburgh. Please speak to Fr [NAME] for details.
March for Life – travel offer – Travel to the March for Life in London for just £40 return. March for Life is the UK’s largest pro-life event, bringing together thousands of people for Mass, inspiring speakers, family and youth activities, and a peaceful march through central London. The Archdiocesan Pro-Life Office is offering a limited number of big-discount return train tickets to this year’s event on Saturday 5 September. Book early to secure your discounted ticket. Go to bit.ly/archtravel
Venerable Margaret Sinclair Pilgrimage – This year’s pilgrimage takes place on Sunday 20 September at St Patrick’s Church in The Cowgate, Edinburgh. It’s the annual opportunity to come together to pray for the Beatification of the Venerable Margaret Sinclair, entombed in the Sacred Heart chapel at St Patrick’s. Schedule: 12:30pm – Sale of candles & goods, refreshments; 1:30pm – Holy Hour (exposition and benediction); 3:00pm – Reflection from Canon Jock Dalrymple; 4:30pm – Mass celebrated by Archbishop Cushley (Homilist: Fr Michael John Galbraith).
World Youth Day 2027 – World Youth Day takes place in Seoul, South Korea, from 1-9 August 2027. Young adults are invited to travel with the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh: Departure 1 August and return on 9 August 2027. For more information email youth.office@staned.org.uk
Music for the Homeless Jesus – On Monday 17 August with the Schola Cantorum choir of St Mary’s Cathedral. This concert is inspired by Timothy Schmlaz’s ‘Homeless Jesus’ sculpture, located outside St Mary’s Catholic Cathedral. Part of Edinburgh Festival of the Sacred Arts, the evening will contemplate homelessness and marginalisation through a programme of choral music that speaks of mercy, compassion, and hope. Tickets are £15 (£10 child) — book at bit.ly/4wttcCd
Brecbannoch Pilgrimage 2026 – A pilgrimage to pray for the renewal of the Faith in Scotland, from 31 July to 3 August, with a walk across the Isle of Mull, returning the relics of St Columba to Iona. Discounts are available for students and under-22s, and under-5s go free. Visit brecbannoch.co.uk
Season of Creation Conference – A day of inspiration, reflection and practical action to celebrate the Season of Creation. Saturday 5 September 2026, 10:00am – 3:00pm, Eyre Hall, Clyde Street, Glasgow, G1 4JY. The keynote speaker is Lorna Gold, Executive Director of the Laudato Si’ Movement. Register: bit.ly/SeasonofCreation26
Archdiocesan events – Events are listed at archedinburgh.org/events
Our Lady’s Offertory Collections.
Last Sunday’s collection: £314
Month total collections (Bank & Cash) £314
Special Collections: £-
Bank Total (month) £812
Mass Bookings.
We are reminded that the booking of mass for our special intentions, wedding anniversaries, Birthday thanksgiving, Death anniversaries of our loved ones and general prayers is highly recommended. The mass stipends (Donations) are part of our contribution towards the good of the church and support of our priest.
MASS TIMINGS
MASS INTENTIONS
MASS DONOR
Wednesday, August 12th, 10.00am
- Allen NichollsRIP
- Mary McTweed
Friday August 14th, 10.00am
- Diana Richardson
- Nick Richardson & Anthony Jervis
Sunday, August 16th, 11.30am
- Allen Nicholls- RIP
- Theresa Scott
Blessings to you, your families and those who are dear to you in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Jesus made the disciples get into the boat
Matthew 14:22-33
After the crowd had eaten and were satisfied: Immediately 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 on the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but the boat by this time was a long way 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, and said, ‘It is a ghost!’ and they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.’ And 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 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 took hold of 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.’
Reflection on the painting
Most of us naturally seek stability. We enjoy familiar routines and places where we feel secure. There is nothing wrong with that. Yet every so often, life invites us beyond what is comfortable. Whether it is exploring a new place, climbing a mountain, setting out on a long walk, opening a challenging book, learning a new skill, or meeting people who broaden our horizons, we grow whenever we ‘dare’ to take a step beyond the familiar. A life spent always playing it safe is rarely a life that is fully lived.
Peter understood this, even if only for a few moments. While the other disciples remained in the boat, he was the one who dared to climb over the side. His eyes were fixed on Jesus, and for those extraordinary moments he did what seemed impossible. It was only when fear became greater than faith that he began to sink. Even then, Jesus was immediately there to catch him. Peter’s failure is not really the focus of the story though; his courage is. He was the only disciple willing to leave the safety of the boat.
Our spiritual lives can easily become comfortable. We can settle into habits that require little trust and make few demands of us. We like to stay in our little boat. Yet Christ continually says to us what he said to Peter: “Come.” Keep moving. Keep exploring the riches of Scripture. Keep praying more deeply. Keep asking questions. Keep serving. Keep walking, even when the path is unfamiliar. The Christian life is not meant to be lived from the safety of the shoreline but in the exciting adventure of following Christ wherever he leads.
The greatest risk in the Christian life is not that we might fail; it is that we never step out at all! The Lord does not call us merely to preserve our faith, but to live it boldly, daringly. Whenever we dare to leave the comfort of our own little boats, we discover that Christ is already waiting for us on the waters, stretching out his hand and leading us into a life far greater than anything we could have imagined.
Our painting today is The Jolly Flatboatmen (1846) by the American artist George Caleb Bingham, celebrated for his scenes of everyday life along the great rivers of the American frontier. The painting radiates joy as the boatmen dance, play music and relax together while gently drifting downstream. Yet there is a subtle contrast with today’s Gospel. These men may have the appearance of adventure simply because they are on a boat, but they remain comfortably on deck, carried along by the current. Peter, however, hears Christ’s call and dares to step out of the boat. The true adventure begins not in the boat itself, but the moment he leaves its safety behind. Our faith is meant to be like that: never content merely to drift, but always ready to take the next courageous step towards Christ.
