Intermediate Session
1 Kings 19:9, 11-13
Matthew 14:22-33
Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
Thank you, God, for showing us how much you love us.
Help us to stay close to you.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.
Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is revelation. To begin, place items such as shells, rocks, a family portrait, flowers, light bulbs, and glue on a table in the center of the room. Invite the children to examine the objects and reflect on what they reveal about God. Brainstorm with the children what each item shows them about God and write down their responses. Discuss:
- How do we learn about God?
- What is God like?
- How does Jesus show us what God is like?
Allow time for discussion. God loves us and wants us to come to know God better. Jesus most fully reveals to us who God is.
Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading listen to hear how Elijah finds himself in the presence of God.
Read 1 Kings 19:9, 11-13.
Allow for silence.
Scripture Discussion Starters
- Why does Elijah listen for God’s voice?
- Does Elijah find God in the wind, the rocks or the fire?
- How does Elijah experience God’s presence?
In the gospel today listen to how Jesus reaches his hand out to Peter.
Read Matthew 14:22-23.
Allow for silence.
- Why did Peter walk on the water?
- What happened when Peter took his eyes off Jesus?
- How does Jesus reach out and save Peter?
Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using theCatechist Background section.
In the first reading from the Old Testament, God makes his presence known to the prophet Elijah. It is not through the powerful forces of wind, breaking rocks, earthquake or fire that God’s voice is heard. God is found in a gentle whisper. As a sign of reverence, Elijah covers his face. He knows that he is in the presence of God. Elijah hears God’s voice in the silence.
In today’s gospel the disciples get in a boat and go out to sea on a stormy night. Matthew is writing for his community who is facing the storms of persecution. The early church can relate to the disciples finding themselves in a storm-tossed boat.
In the dark of that stormy night, 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 lose faith in what we believe. Today’s gospel shows how important it is to reach out to Jesus in faith.
Questions for Deeper Reflection
- How does God speak to you in the quiet?
- What fears get in the way of you trusting Jesus?
- How can you keep your eyes on 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. 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 Jesus Christ is the fullness of God’s self-revelation. 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.
The result of God’s revelation is that we live in relationship with God. Faith in God gives us a glimpse of the good things of heaven.
- Who helps you come to know God?
- How does Jesus help us to know and love God?
- How can you come to know God better?
The Gospel in Life
How can you grow in friendship with God this week?
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