Primary Session
Matthew 14:22-33
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
God our Creator, you are the source of all life.
Help us come to know you better each day.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is revelation. To begin, write on a large sheet of poster paper the words “God is like…” Brainstorm with the children what they think God is like. Write down their responses. Discuss:
- How is God like a mother?
- How is God like a father?
- How is God like an artist?
Allow time for discussion. God is so much more than we can imagine. We need help to learn about God. Jesus helps teach us what God is like.
Listening to the Word of God
In the gospel today listen to find out what happens when Peter walks on the water.
Read Matthew 14:22-23.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- What happens to the disciples’ boat?
- Why does Peter walk on the water?
- What happens when Peter gets frightened?
- How does Jesus help Peter?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the gospel using the Catechist Background section.
In today’s gospel, the disciples go out to sea on a stormy night. The wind and the waves frighten them. Jesus comes toward the rocky boat. He calms the forces of the raging sea. Peter comes out of the boat and starts walking toward Jesus, but when the winds come he gets afraid and starts to sink. Jesus reaches out his hand and Peter grasps it. Sometimes we get frightened and lose faith. In today’s passage Jesus shows us that he is ready to help us. In times of difficulty Jesus reaches out his hand to help us.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- Who are the people that help calm the storms in your life?
- How does Jesus help you?
- Why is it important to have faith in Jesus?
[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to theGospel in Life.]
Doctrinal Discussion Starters
Revelation
Out of love, God reveals God’s self to us. God wants us to know and love God. The word revelation means to make known something that is unknown. God is so much more than we can ever imagine. We could never come to know God on our own. Revelation is God’s gift of making God’s presence known to us.
The Catholic Church believes that God is most fully revealed in Jesus Christ. Jesus shows us what God is like. Jesus spent his life on earth telling us about God and God’s love for us. Jesus invites us to trust and love God.
- How do you learn about God?
- How does Jesus help you to know and love God?
The Gospel in Life
How can you learn more about God this week?
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