Resources, Prayers, Games, and Lesson Plans
More Thoughts and Reflection Questions
Quotes and Social Media Graphics
Mass Readings for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
- First Reading – 1 Kings 19:9A, 11-13A: Elijah finds shelter in a cave at Horeb. The LORD instructs him to stand outside. Amid powerful elements, God's presence is found in a tiny whisper, prompting awe and reverence.
- Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 85: God proclaims peace and salvation for the reverent. Kindness, truth, justice, and peace unite. The LORD grants benefits and prepares His path with justice.
- Second Reading – Romans 9:1-5: In Christ's truth, I bear witness to my great sorrow and anguish for my people. Despite their blessings, I'd sacrifice for their salvation. They are my own, and I long for their redemption.
- Gospel - Matthew 14:22-33: After feeding thousands, Jesus goes to pray alone. Disciples cross the lake by boat, struggling in a storm. Jesus walks on water, calming their fears. Peter walks briefly but doubts, sinking until Jesus rescues him. Disciples worship Jesus, recognizing His divine power.
Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.
Themes for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
The readings for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A show us that God is Lord over all of the earth. In the first reading God tells us that he will provide for all of our needs and give us life. The psalm proclaims that God rules the world with kindness and justice The second reading explains that Christ is over all. And in the gospel Jesus walks on water to the disciples, whose boat is being tossed in a storm.
- Jesus' Power Over Nature: The gospel narrates the miraculous event where Jesus walks on water, showcasing His divine power over the forces of nature.
- Faith in the Midst of Storms: Peter's request to walk on water demonstrates a moment of strong faith, but his subsequent doubt highlights the challenge of maintaining faith in difficult circumstances.
- Fear and Doubt: Peter's fear and doubt upon seeing the wind and waves reveal the human tendency to be easily swayed by external circumstances, even in the presence of Jesus.
- Jesus as the Savior: When Peter begins to sink, he cries out to Jesus, acknowledging Him as the Savior who can rescue him from danger and bring him to safety.
- The Call to Keep Focused on Jesus: Jesus admonishes Peter for his wavering faith, emphasizing the importance of keeping one's focus on Him, rather than being distracted by the surrounding challenges.
See the Homilies and Reflections section and the More Thoughts section for further expansion on these readings and some reflection questions for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A.
Resources for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Do Not Be Afraid – Reflection and Discussion Questions
The 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A uses the gospel of Matthew 14:22-33, presenting a valuable lesson on fear and trust in God. The Do Not Be Afraid lesson plan includes a guided meditation on Jesus walking on water during a storm, encouraging participants to reflect on their fears, seek ways to trust in God, and overcome their anxieties practically. The passage's powerful imagery serves as a catalyst for introspection, fostering courage, resilience, and a deep reliance on the Lord in their lives.
Prayer to the God of Peace and Justice
This prayer draws inspiration from Psalm 85, the responsorial psalm for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A. It highlights God's desire for peace and justice to encompass all His beloved children. Understanding God's boundless mercy and heeding His voice, we are compelled to fulfill His will and actively contribute to His Kingdom. As we embrace this calling, may we become instruments of love, compassion, and harmony, working tirelessly to bring forth the realization of God's vision for a world filled with righteousness and unity.
Fearful Finds Relay
The 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A gospel urges us to confront fear. The Fearful Finds game involves players reaching into a box of unknown substance for coins, challenging their apprehensions. There will be funny reactions, leading to valuable insights. Reflection questions at the end deepen understanding of fears, fostering courage and resilience in facing uncertainties.
Paul’s Letter to the Romans: Faith, Grace, and Righteousness
The Second Reading for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A is Romans 9:1-5. Paul sorrowfully bears witness in Christ's truth, expressing anguish for his people's salvation despite their blessings. He longs for their redemption as his own. Paul addresses both Jewish and Gentile Christians in his Letter to the Romans. He aims to familiarize them with his teachings, seeking their support for his mission to Spain. For more resources and background on the epistle, refer here.
Resources for the Gospel of Matthew
On the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, the Gospel reading is from Matthew 14:22-33. After feeding thousands, Jesus withdraws to pray alone. His disciples struggle in a storm while crossing the lake by boat. Jesus walks on water, calming their fears. Peter briefly walks on water but doubts and starts sinking, saved by Jesus. Witnessing this, the disciples worship Jesus, recognizing his divine power. To understand the Gospel of Matthew better, exploring its background and details sheds light on Jesus Christ's life and ministry as portrayed by Matthew.
Homilies and Reflections for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
In the Storm? Look to Christ (Bishop Robert Barron)
Hearing God's Whisper (Jeff Cavins)
Take Courage! (Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Peter Walked on Water Too! (Fr. Richard Rohr)
In this video reflection, Bishop Robert Barron discusses the Gospel story of Jesus calming the storm and walking on water from Matthew 14. He emphasizes how this event holds deep meaning for the early Christians and symbolizes the Church's journey through challenges. Barron highlights the importance of focusing on Christ's divinity, not worldly figures, for courage and guidance in tumultuous times. Using theological insights, he draws parallels between the disciples' experience and the Church's struggles throughout history, emphasizing that trusting in Christ's power can allow us to navigate even the stormiest waters. The reflection concludes with a reminder to worship and revere the divine presence that sustains the Church.
In this reflection for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Jeff Cavins discusses the instances where God speaks to His people. Through the story of Elijah in the cave and Peter walking on water, Cavins emphasizes that God often speaks in a small whisper or thought, rather than grand gestures. He encourages listeners to listen carefully for God's gentle voice, and if they sense God's calling, to take a step of faith like Peter did when he got out of the boat. By trusting God's whisper and aligning it with Scripture and the teachings of the Church, one may discover the fulfillment of God's plan for them.
In this inspiring reflection, Fr. Mike Schmitz emphasizes the importance of courage or fortitude in living out virtues and embracing holiness. Drawing lessons from historical events and biblical characters, he highlights how courage is tested when facing challenges and difficult decisions. Fr. Mike encourages viewers to recognize that true courage is not only about grand gestures but also the daily choices to be virtuous and faithful. To become saints, he suggests embracing the cross, following Jesus, and developing the courage to live out the gospel truth in every aspect of life.
Peter Walked on Water Too!
Fr. Richard Rohr reflects on the Gospel for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, emphasizing that it symbolizes Jesus' invitation for all of us to step out in faith and trust. Crossing the water represents moving beyond understanding and entering new levels of faith and consciousness. Fr. Rohr encourages the congregation to release fear and trust in Jesus as the absolute source. The homily's message is that with Christ's invitation and support, believers can transcend their limitations and trust in God's guidance.
Sinking Fear
In this video reflection for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Scott Hahn discusses how we can discover God in the midst of life's challenges and uncertainties. Drawing from the stories of Elijah and the disciples crossing the waters to meet Jesus, he highlights that God reveals Himself in tumultuous moments. We may feel afraid and doubt, but if we have faith and trust in God's promises, we can find salvation and comfort in His presence, even in the most difficult times.
The Silent Presence of God
In this homily for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Bishop Robert Barron reflects on the stories of Elijah and Peter to emphasize the importance of discerning God's presence in the midst of life's challenges. Just as Elijah, a contemplative, recognizes God in the tiny whispering sound, we should weed out worldly fears and desires to hear God's voice. When Peter keeps his eyes on Christ amid the storm, he walks on water, demonstrating that by not identifying with our fears, we can overcome life's trials and find the capacity to follow God's path.
Christ, the Son of God
In this homily for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A, Bishop Robert Barron emphasizes the Divinity of Jesus, contrasting him with merely inspiring spiritual teachers. Reflecting on the Gospel passage of Jesus walking on water, he highlights that Jesus' power transcends worldly fears and gives lasting peace to the soul. By recognizing Jesus as the Son of God and the fulfillment of Israel's promises, we find the confidence to walk above life's challenges. Barron reminds us that only Jesus, as both God and man, can truly offer transformation and lasting assurance in the midst of life's storms.
More Thoughts for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
Discovering God in Life's Quiet Moments
In the first reading for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A (1 Kings 19:9A, 11-13A), we learn about the prophet Elijah finding comfort with God on Mount Horeb. This story teaches us about the importance of sensing God's presence amidst challenges.
Elijah's journey reflects our spiritual path. Sometimes life is tough, and we seek solace from God. God's voice is gentle and subtle, not always grand or powerful. We must pay attention to God's quiet presence. The noise of the world can drown it out. Like Elijah, let's find moments of calm to listen.
God's response to Elijah shows His love and understanding. He cares for us, even in dark times. Trust that God is close and loves us. The "still, small voice" is how God speaks to us. It may not be loud, but it guides and comforts us. In our faith journey, we may face doubt and fear. But remember to pray and meditate, turning to God for support.
Be aware of God's gentle presence in life. Through prayer, reading Scripture, and the sacraments, we grow closer to Him. Trust that God guides us on our journey of faith.
Strengthening Faith Amid Storms
In the gospel for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A (Matthew 14:22-33), Jesus uses a stormy situation to strengthen the faith of his disciples. Despite being away, Jesus comes to their rescue, but they struggle to recognize him at first. When Jesus says, "Take courage. It is I," he emphasizes his divine presence, but the disciples still seek proof. Peter, with wavering faith, asks to walk on water towards Jesus but starts to sink due to fear. Jesus reminds them to trust and asks why they doubted.
Finally, as the storm calms, the disciples recognize Jesus as the Son of God. This gospel encourages us to have unwavering faith in the face of life's challenges, knowing that Jesus is always with us.
We are invited to examine our own faith journey. Like the disciples, we may face storms and challenges that test our faith, but Jesus reminds us to take courage, trust in Him, and step out in faith. Even when we falter, we can call out to Him, knowing that He is ever-present and ready to save us. Ultimately, by recognizing Jesus as the Son of God, we can find solace and strength, knowing that He walks with us through the storms of life, guiding us safely to the shores of His love and grace.
Anchored in Faith
The readings for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A share a common theme: finding faith amidst life's storms. In the First Reading, Prophet Elijah learned that faith is found in the stillness of our hearts, even in turbulent times. The Gospel tells of Peter walking on water towards Jesus but doubting amidst the storm. Yet, Jesus reminded him that true faith keeps our focus on Him.
Both stories show that faith is not just a feeling or the absence of difficulties. It's a steadfast trust in God's presence and power. When we face challenges, we must turn to God and listen for His voice.
In life's storms, God's gentle presence brings comfort, just as He whispered to Elijah and rescued Peter. With unwavering faith, we can overcome trials. God is always with us, inviting us to trust Him and anchor our faith in His love.
Reflection Questions for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
- Have you ever experienced a challenging situation in your life where you sought comfort from God? How did you feel during that time, and how did you sense God's presence?
- What can we learn from Elijah's journey about paying attention to God's quiet presence amidst the noise of the world? How can we find moments of calm to listen to God?
- How does the concept of God's "still, small voice" resonate with you? Why do you think God chooses to speak to us in gentle and subtle ways?
- In times of doubt and fear, how can prayer and meditation help us turn to God for support and guidance?
- Reflect on a time when you faced a storm or challenge in your life. How did your faith play a role in helping you navigate through it? Did you seek proof or have unwavering trust in God's presence?
- What do you think Jesus meant when He said, "Take courage. It is I"? How can we remind ourselves to trust in Jesus during difficult times?
- Describe a situation where you felt your faith wavered, similar to Peter's experience when he started to sink. How did you overcome that doubt and regain your focus on Jesus?
- How do the readings teach us that faith is more than just a feeling and not the absence of difficulties? What does it mean to have steadfast trust in God's presence and power?
- Share some ways in which you have personally experienced God's gentle presence and comfort during life's storms. How can we actively seek God's presence during challenging times?
- In what practical ways can we anchor our faith in God's love, especially when facing trials and uncertainties in life? How can we remind ourselves of God's constant presence and support?
Quotes and Social Media Graphics for the 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year A
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