Things to talk about:

• Peter had to trust Jesus to get out of the boat. Do you trust Jesus? Explain your answer.
• What is it like to get out of your comfort zone and try something new?
• Do you think Peter was scared? If so, why?
• Why do you think Jesus asked Peter to come out of the boat to him? If you were Peter, what would have been your reaction?

Things to do:

• Find the art print of Jesus Walking on the Water in the parish center hallway. What strikes you about this artist’s depiction of this Gospel story?
• Peter had to trust Jesus to get out of the boat and walk on water. Make an intentional decision to trust God this week.
• This week, pay attention to the times when you feel like you are sinking—when problems begin to overwhelm you. Remember that Jesus is there with you, reaching out his hand to lift you up. You can walk on water with Jesus! Jesus keeps his promise.
• Listen to the songs sung at Mass on August 9. Which ones are related to the Gospel?
• Research and look for a picture of the Dead Sea. Did you know….The Dead Sea is one of the most interesting lakes in the world. It is south of the Sea of Galilee (the scene of this Gospel) and is connected by the Jordan River. The Dead Sea is located at the lowest point on Earth. It is eight times saltier than the oceans and has the highest salt concentration of any body of water in the world. Visitors who enter the water are more buoyant. It is impossible to sink in the Dead Sea!

Closing Prayer

Salve Regina

Learn and sing the Salve Regina to celebrate the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary on August 15.

Pray together the Hail Holy Queen

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, our life,
our sweetness and our hope.
To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve.
To thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn, then, most gracious advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this, our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.  

Name anyone who needs prayer, reply, “Lord, hear our prayers.”  Close with the Sign of the Cross.     

Catholic Insight

Walking on Water! The heart of this Gospel is that Jesus finds us in the midst of our doubt and confusion. Jesus asks the same of us as he asked of Peter. We are called to TRUST him and to keep our eyes, minds and hearts focused on Jesus.

Jesus came to the disciples when they were in the middle of a storm. When Peter took his eyes off Jesus, he was afraid to drown. Jesus extends his hand. Think about times when you have felt like your were in the midst of a storm in life and how Jesus rescued you. It may not have been the rescue you thought, but something better! Most likely help came from the kindness and generosity of others. Think about storms in life that people might go through (losing a home, a job, loved ones….) How can you be a helping hand for someone in need? Bring the peace of Christ to them and pray for them. Through you, others can learn to TRUST in Jesus’ promises.

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Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection