Junior High Session
1 Kings 19:9, 11-13
Matthew 14:22-33

Opening Prayer
Let us pray.
O God, thank you for giving us
Jesus to show us the greatness of your love.
Help us to learn more about you each day.
In the name of Jesus Christ we pray.
Amen.

Opening Life Reflection
The theme for today is revelation. To begin, provide paper and pencils and have each young person divide a sheet of paper in two columns. Title the first column “The Storms in My Life” and invite the young people to list the things that they struggle with. Title the second column, “Jesus Extends His Hand to Me” and invite the young people to write down how Jesus reaches out to them in times of difficulty. Discuss:
• In times of difficulty, whom do you turn to for help?
• When do you turn to Jesus?
• How does Jesus show us God’s love?

Allow time for discussion. It is important to remember that God is with us in times of calm and in times of difficulty. Throughout the scriptures Jesus shows us how much God loves us.

Listening to the Word of God
In the Old Testament reading listen to hear how God’s presence is made known to Elijah.

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’s presence in the powerful forces of wind or fire?
• When does Elijah realize that he is standing in the presence of God?

In the gospel today listen to how Jesus reaches out to Peter.

Read Matthew 14:22-23.
Allow for silence.

• What happens when the disciples go out to sea?
• How does Jesus show himself to the disciples?
• Why does Peter walk on the water?
• Why does Jesus reach out his hand to Peter?

Scripture Background
Provide 2-3 minutes of background information on the readings using the Catechist 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 on the 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 do you experience the presence of God?
• How does faith in Jesus help you to step out and risk?
• When have you experienced Jesus reaching out to you?

[If you are not going to continue with the doctrinal discussion, proceed to the Gospel 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 can 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.

• What is your understanding of who God is?
• Who helps you to grow in your understanding of God?
• How can you come to know God better?

The Gospel in Life
What can you do this week to deepen your understanding of God?

Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
Junior High, Mystery of God, chapter 1
Junior High, Church History, chapter 4

Connecting to Faith First® Original Edition
Junior High, Creed and Prayer, chapter 1