A Psychologist looks at Scripture
In this 8-10 minute podcast, I as a psychologist and a priest use my training and skills to examine the Gospels. I will present alternative interpretations and insights into the meaning of Scripture for men and women in the 21st century.
I can be reached at peter.dohertyomi@gmail.com.
A Psychologist looks at Scripture
Mt 14. 13-21 Aug 2 26 “Co-Creators or Bystanders? Rethinking Your Role in God’s Work”
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Today’s Gospel is one of the two stories of Jesus feeding a large crowd. I have spoken about this theme before. I invite my listeners to check out my podcasts released on June 15, 2025, and another on July 21, 2024, for different reflections on this Scripture passage. What is noteworthy is that Jesus uses the meagre contribution of humans to do great things. There are many examples of Jesus using the contribution of humans to do so much more. In Matthew 14:13–21; Mark 6:30–44; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1–15 — the feeding of the 5,000: a boy’s loaves and fish are brought to Jesus, and he multiplies them. In Matthew 15:32–39; Mark 8:1–10 — the feeding of the 4,000: the available bread and fish are used to feed the crowd.
“Co-Creators or Bystanders? Rethinking Your Role in God’s Work”
My name is Peter Doherty. I am a Catholic priest and psychologist with a particular interest in the relationship between psychology and spirituality. Although these two disciplines have often regarded one another with suspicion, they are, in fact, deeply complementary. Sound psychological insight can strengthen spiritual life, while authentic spirituality—grounded in psychological well-being—can deepen meaning, resilience, and daily functioning.
This short podcast offers a weekly reflection on the Gospel reading for the coming Sunday. It is intended as a resource for those preparing homilies, as well as for anyone who teaches, studies, or simply wishes to engage more deeply with Scripture. Drawing on psychological research, biblical scholarship, and anthropological perspectives, I aim to make the Gospel both accessible and relevant. Scripture is not only a source of faith, but also a guide to human development—recognizing that the biblical authors wrote within a worldview different from our own, yet one that offers profound insight into identity, suffering, and hope.
Today’s reflection is based on Matthew 14:13-21, which will be proclaimed in churches on August 2, 2026.
Today’s Gospel is one of the two stories of Jesus feeding a large crowd. I have spoken about this theme before. I invite my listeners to check out my podcasts released on June 15, 2025, and another on July 21, 2024, for different reflections on this Scripture passage. What is noteworthy is that Jesus uses the meagre contribution of humans to do great things. There are many examples of Jesus using the contribution of humans to do so much more. In Matthew 14:13–21; Mark 6:30–44; Luke 9:10–17; John 6:1–15 — the feeding of the 5,000: a boy’s loaves and fish are brought to Jesus, and he multiplies them. In Matthew 15:32–39; Mark 8:1–10 — the feeding of the 4,000: Jesus uses the available bread and fish to feed the crowd.
In John 2:1–11, the first miracle that Jesus performs, the wedding at Cana. Remember the young couple had run out of wine. Jesus asks them to supply the six water jars and water, and Jesus turns the water into wine. I might add that according to my rough calculations there were about 360 gallons of wine. I am sure that was some wedding reception!
In Luke 5:1–11 we have the miraculous catch of fish, where Jesus directs the disciples to put out their nets. Despite fishing all night, the disciples obey Jesus and let down the nets, they catch an overwhelming number of fish. I need to point out that the nets were breaking as there were so many fish. I am looking forward to doing a podcast on that miracle.
In Matthew 17:24–27 Jesus is asked if he will pay the temple tax. It is ironic that Jesus is being asked to pay taxes on his own temple. Yet Jesus does raise the money for the temple tax by asking Peter to go fishing. Peter casts a line, and the coin is found in the fish’s mouth. I have to admit that is a creative fundraising technique!
In Mark 2:1–12; Matthew 9:1–8; and again, in Luke 5:17–26 we have the healing of the paralytic. It is noteworthy that the paralytic needed his friends’ physical effort in lowering him to Jesus. Their participation in the miracle is part of the story leading to the paralyzed man’s healing.
Jesus consistently invites human participation in his divine plan. We are literally co-creators. What are some of the implications of being a co-creator? Well first we participate together with God. Our contribution, however small, is invited. We are not called to be passive in our faith but actively cooperating with God. Hopefully when we reflect on this custom of God to involve us in creation, we will become more responsible concerning the gifts we receive. When we petition God for his intervention, we would be wise to reflect on what our contribution will be.
The theme of God residing in the hearts of his people or having a closeness with his people is found throughout the New Testament. I want to focus on John 14:17 that describes Jesus saying that the Spirit “dwells within you and will be in you,” which is the clearest Gospel text for God indwelling his people. Other examples are John 14:23 — “We will come to him and make our home with him,” describing the Father and Son living with the believer. Again, in John 15:4–5 —it is written, “Abide in me, and I in you,” presenting mutual indwelling as a core image of life with Christ.
I want to draw your attention to examples of this theme in the New Testament. The clearest ones are in the epistles. Ephesians 3:17 says, “Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith,” and Romans 5:5 says that God’s love has been “poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.”
It is becoming clear that God desires a unity, a communion that is beyond human understanding. I suspect the thought of God living so close to us, within our hearts may be terrifying for some, but hopefully reassuring to others. Many people do not feel the intimacy I am talking about and may resist what I am saying. I encourage you not to give up, continue your search, I hope this podcast will help you in your journey. I am reminded of the passage from1 Corinthians 13:12 where it is written, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face,” and it continues, “Now I know in part; then I shall know fully… Part of the human experience is that we do not fully know God’s love for us but that does not mean its not there. I have encouraged the people who see me for spiritual direction to focus on gratitude for the spiritual gifts they have received. And for many this approach has helped.
Awareness of God’s invitation to participate in his plan can be useful in helping people deal with depression. So often people experiencing depression do a lot of negative self-talk. They often see themselves as failures, not doing enough. They are focusing on their small contribution but forgetting that God can and will use their contribution. As mere humans we may not fully see the results of our labor. Many will sow but others will reap. The fuller context is found in John 4:36–38, where Jesus speaks about sowing and reaping in the work of bringing people to eternal life.
Therapists often use cognitive therapy as a form of treatment. Dr. David D. Burns wrote the well-known book “Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy” that focusses on changing our negative self-talk. I often invite my patients to read this book to help challenge their negative assumptions and beliefs about themselves.
Thank you for joining me.
If you find this podcast helpful, I invite you to join me each week. I also welcome your questions and reflections, and I encourage you to share the podcast with others who may benefit. If you are listening on YouTube, you can support the podcast by subscribing and leaving a review. I would also be interested to know where you are listening from.
Next Sunday, August 9, 2026, we will reflect on Matthew 14: 22-33, where Jesus miraculously appears to the disciples walking on water. Jesus invites Peter to join him but Peter after briefly walking on the water is afraid and starts to sink.
New episodes are released every Sunday, focusing on the upcoming Gospel. Special thanks to Heather Patel Doherty and Richard Coulombe for their continued support.
May God bless you!