Good NewsA37,Command Me,19th Ordinary,Matthew 14:22-33,Children's Devotional, Gospel-based, Children's Liturgy, Children's Homily, Catholic, Christian, written by Joan Y. Edwards

Cycle A

Good News A37

Command Me

Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Matthew 14:22-33 Bible Gateway New International Version

Peter said to him in reply, "Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."

Imagine if you were out in a tiny boat with hurricane force winds around you. Then you hear a voice, saying “Don’t be afraid. It is I, Jesus.” Would you need proof as Peter did, that it was truly Jesus? Peter said, “If it is really you, call me out on the water to meet you.” So Jesus did call him out onto the water. Peter walked safely on the water until he became afraid. Then he started to go beneath the water. “Lord, save me!” cried Peter. Jesus told him if he had faith he wouldn’t sink.” Then Jesus saved him by pulling Peter out of the water and he took Peter back to the boat.

Sometimes when we are falling into the temptations of evil ways, we ask God to save us. Then when he does help us, we get so frightened that we try to take things back into our control. That’s when we sink a little bit into the waters of worry and fear. But then, when we ask God again to help us, he very kindly lifts us up and pulls us to the safety of the boat that’s bound for Heaven.

God wants us to trust and have faith in him. He wants us to believe that he has what is best for us in mind. He wants us to believe that he will help us through any trials he brings us to in our lives. There is a saying, “What God brings us to, he will help us through.” He has the power to make good things come from bad. All we have to do is ask God to help us.

The “Our Father” is the perfect prayer. When we pray this prayer, we know that God is going to give us everything we need. He is going to calm our fears. He is going to help calm the waters of concern for each one of us. He is going to help keep us on the waters of obedience to his commandments. He will help us leave things alone that don’t belong to us. He will help us learn to control our tempers so that we don’t hit others. He will help us learn the skills we need to earn enough money to buy food, clothing, and shelter for our families when we grow up. He will help us find water to drink when we are thirsty. He will help us learn to put our toys and belongings back where they belong. All we have to do is ask him.

Say the “Our Father.” Ask God to give you faith that he is going to calm the waters in your life.

“Our Father, who art in Heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.”