Hello Families!
Peter was expecting a Messiah that would carry out a different plan than the one Jesus had explained. Jesus was indeed the Messiah, but his life and death would show a different understanding of what it means to be the Messiah. We too have expectations of God and our own ideas about what we think God ought to be doing in our world. Like Peter we may risk limiting our image of God by thinking only in human ways. God’s plan is always more than we can ever imagine.
As you gather as a family, talk about what we expect God to be doing in our world and in our family life. And then read today’s Gospel, Matthew 16:21-27. Why do you think Peter was so upset by what Jesus was saying? Notice how Jesus reprimands Peter. Do we sometimes forget to let God be God for us? That is, do we sometimes get discouraged because God doesn’t act in our world in the ways that we expect? Pray together that your family will remember that God is always working for the world’s salvation in ways that are beyond our human imaginings. Conclude by praying together today’s Psalm, Psalm 63.
Take Time to Chat – What do you think the apostles thought when Jesus told them that he was going to suffer, die, and be raised from the dead? Jesus told Peter he was an obstacle to him. Why do you think he said that? Is the devil real? Why does the devil want to hold us back? Gregorian chant is a form of sung prayer. What are some of your favorite styles of prayer?
The Parish Picnic is Sunday, September 10th. We will have plenty of games for kids so come as a family! You will also have registrations for Faith Formation available. Hope to see you then!
Partners in Faith,
Phyllis Chudzinski