Proper 14 Yr A
A little faith, please
Editor's note: During the season of Pentecost, churches that use the Revised Common Lectionary have two options. One, often called "semicontinuous" or "Track 1", provides more detail about the Old Testament stories. The other, called "complementary" or "Track 2", more closely marries the Old Testament lesson to the gospel reading.
Check it out!
There is a NEW "Pew review" (by M.E. Herchak) of "The Rose Maker" in parables (below). I'll be seeing it soon.
Introduction
The story this week focuses on the beloved disciple Peter. He’s one whom most of us can identify with. Impulsive. Headstrong. Cavalier. And yet . . . Peter knew that Jesus could allow him to walk on water, just like Jesus was doing. He was so confident that he just hopped out of the boat and started walking on the waves. So full of faith that Jesus could/would do all things. And then . . . Did Peter get distracted by suddenly feeling a wave splash on his leg? Or perhaps one of the others called out to him? Or perhaps his head told him, “This can’t be happening!” And Peter began to sink.
Many of us can speak to times when we've been so enthused that we "jumped into the water" to tackle our task. Then, oh, no! Something happened? Did your "logic" overwhelm you? Have you gotten distracted? Did you feel something on your leg? Did someone call out to you? And just how do you deal with it? How do you keep your faith strong and steady?
Notice, by the way, that Jesus did not abandon “little faith” Peter, but immediately rescued him. Comments welcome.
Matthew 14:22-33
. . . And after he [Jesus] had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
From sermon4kids.com: “As long as Peter kept his eyes on Jesus, he was walking on the water, but when he took his eyes off of Jesus, he began to sink. As we go through life, there will be some storms. We will encounter some pretty rough water. As long as we keep our eyes upon Jesus and put our trust in him, we will be okay.”
Scripture: August 13, 2023, Proper 14 Year A—Track 1: Genesis 37:1-4, 12-28 (image); Psalm 105:1-6, 16-22, 45b (image); Track 2: 1 Kings 19:9-18 (image); Psalm 85:8-13 (image); Romans 10:5-15 (image); and Matthew 14:22-33 (image). Illuminating the scripture, an image and audio journey.
Collect: Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Reflection:
Track 1: Why did Jesus send the disciples ahead while he stayed to pray alone? How do times of turmoil and anxiety affect your trust in God?
Track 2: After Jesus caught Peter in the water, was Jesus’ question, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” a reproach? When we are facing a great difficulty, do we doubt God’s power? Do we doubt ourselves? Can you recall other biblical stories, or a story from your own life, when God reached out to rescue or to overcome doubt and fear with the gift of increased faith?
Source: Feasting on the Word Worship Companion: Liturgies for Year A, Volume 2 © 2014 Westminster John Knox Press.
Ear Worm:
“Stand by me” by Tennessee Ernie Ford, by Josephine James, by Elvis Presley;
“My soul is anchored in the Lord“, stirring gospel by Douglas Miller;
and for fun, “Who is the King of the Jungle“, kid song (EVERYBODY, go sing!)
Brain Food:
"Walk across the water", art and commentary by Jan Richardson;
"When we can't walk on water", by Karoline Lewis;
"Little Faith", by Peter Lockhart
Parables:
“The Apostle” (1997, PG-13), fall and redemption of man of faith, Review;
“Simon Birch” (1998, PG), partial adaptation of A Prayer for Owen Meany. Both book and film are worthy, Review;
NEW "The Rose Maker (La fine fleur)" (2020, not rated), "Every garden blooms In Its own season", Pew Review.
Hymn Notes: The story behind "Stand by me" by Ben E. King (b. 1948) (referenced above):
"According to King, the title is derived from, and was inspired by, a spiritual song written by Sam Cooke and JW Alexander called 'Stand by Me Father', recorded by the Soul Stirrers with Johnnie Taylor singing lead vocals. The third line of the second verse of the original song derives from 'Psalm 46:2c/3c'. Meanwhile, 'Stand By Me' was also the name of a gospel hymn written by Philadelphia minister Charles Albert Tindley in 1905. His hymn became popular in churches throughout the American South and was recorded by various gospel acts in the 1950s."
It has been covered by a number of artists (including John Lennon), was the principal for a movie, and sung at the royal wedding of Harry and Megan.
from "the story of Stand by Me" at Smooth Radio website.
[Ed's note: the snacks and craft relate to the Old Testament Lesson.]
For families: Study guide and activities, (former guide), group activity, snacks, another snack—enjoy some WATERmelon (get it??), kid video
For children: See family guide/activities (other activity); bulletin, craft
For middlers: See family guide/activities (other activity); bulletin, craft
Coloring: Matthew 14, Jesus walking on water: one and two
For youth: God’s math doesn’t work out like human math, and it’s certainly not always compatible with human logic. In reality, it’s always better. This week’s gospel lesson can give us a good “equation” for the nature of Jesus. Write this equation: Jesus > Chaos + Fear + Doubt. In fact, no matter what we put on the side of the equation opposite Jesus, he will always be greater than the sum of anything humankind can come up with. What kinds of chaos, confusion, fears, doubts, and pain from life’s storms are hurling your way? How does Jesus calm life’s storms for you? How can you share that with others?
(excerpted from “Stay in the boat, steward” at the Stewardship of Life website https://www.stewardshipoflife.org/2017/08/stay-in-the-boat-steward/)Comments welcome.
In today’s liturgy, water is a major symbol. The Gospel reading from Matthew is the account of Peter’s attempt to join Christ in walking on the Sea of Galilee. As Peter’s faith fails and he begins to sink below the waters, he cries to the Lord for help . . . and Jesus rescues him.
Track 1. Today we move ahead in the story of God’s ancient people to the sons of Jacob (now called Israel). The older sons, jealous of Joseph—who is their father’s favorite—sold him into slavery in Egypt, telling their father a lion killed him. Their intention was to get rid of Joseph; God used their action, though, to save the family, as we will see in a few weeks, and ultimately to lead the descendants of all twelve brothers into freedom from Egypt in the Exodus.
Track 2. The Old Testament reading is the story of Elijah’s meeting with God in the eloquent silence that drowns out all other sounds. This famous story underlines the unexpectedness of our encounters with God. Like Peter, and Elijah, we need to be on our guard—God is about where we least expect it!
We also continue to read the Epistle to the Romans. In this part of Romans, Paul is dealing with his sorrow that many of his fellow Jews have not accepted Jesus as Christ but he does not believe that God has rejected them. All who turn to God in faith belong to God and there is no distinction, for all are one in Christ who have called on the name of the Lord.
Water in the scriptures is not only a symbol of life, but also a symbol of death. As Israel passed from death into new life at the Red Sea, so we gather as a community that has passed with Jesus from death into resurrection in the waters of baptism.
From The Rite Light: Reflections on the Sunday Readings and Seasons of the Church Year. Copyright © 2007 by Michael W. Merriman. Church Publishing Incorporated, New York.