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Children's Liturgy Series: 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle A)

Author: Joyce Bott

Introduction

Today we learn about how Jesus walked on water and made it possible for Peter to walk on water too. We learn that if we place our trust in Jesus, anything is possible.

Opening Prayer

Lord, give us the courage and faith of Peter, whose belief was so strong that he could walk towards Jesus across the lake. In times of weakness, reach out your hand to us and rescue us from our doubts.

Source: THE COMPLETE CHILDREN'S LITURGY BOOK (THOMPSON, 1996)

Gospel (Matthew 14:22-33)

Before going up to the hills to pray alone, Jesus told his disciples to sail to the other side of the lake. As night fell, the wind grew stronger and the disciples' boat was tossed about by the waves. Suddenly they saw someone coming towards the boat, walking on the water, and they were terrified, because they thought it was a ghost! But Jesus called to them, "Don't be afraid, it's me!"

Peter shouted to Jesus, "Lord, if that really is you, tell me to come to you across the water.

"Come!", said Jesus.

So Peter climbed out of the boat and lowered himself onto the water. Looking straight at Jesus, he began to walk towards him; but as he moved further from the boat and felt the strength of the wind, he grew afraid. Suddenly he began to sink and he cried out, "Save me, Jesus!"

As Jesus reached out his hand and pulled Peter to safety, he said, "Why did you not trust me Peter? Is your belief so weak?" When they got back to the boat, the other disciples knelt before Jesus and said, "You are truly the son of God."

Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTj4VEAt-yA (Credit to Catholic Kids Media)

Reflection

Say: Last week we heard how Jesus used the disciples’ five loaves of bread and two fish to feed thousands of people. In today’s Gospel, Jesus performs another extraordinary act; he walks on water. Peter then asks Jesus if he too can walk on water.

Ask: What did Peter want to do? (He wanted to walk on water as Jesus did.) What was Jesus’ response? (He said yes.) What happened? (Peter was able to walk on the water, but then he started to sink because he grew fearful.) What did Jesus do when this happened? (He saved him.) What did the disciples learn about Jesus through this? (They came to believe that Jesus was the Son of God.)

Say: Jesus invited his disciples to participate in the work that he was doing. He invites us to do the same. He wants us to do extraordinary things for others. In order for us to be able to do this, we must have faith and trust that Jesus will do his work through us. Even if we become fearful and doubtful like Peter, Jesus will still save us.

Conclude in prayer together that God will continue to work through people to bring about the kingdom of heaven.

Colouring Activity

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Source: Bible-Printables.com

Kids Bulletin

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