Jesus is there to help

You're playing outside, and a friend gets stung by a bee. "MOM!" you yell, and she races to help. Your new mountain bike gets a flat tire. "DAD!" you shout " and once again, help comes running.

In a way, Jesus was like your Mom or Dad. In this week's Gospel (Matthew 14:22-33), one of His followers gets in trouble " and Jesus comes running to help.

The Apostles were in a boat when they saw Jesus, walking across the water toward them! Peter yelled, "If that's really you, tell me to come to you." "Come," Jesus said. Peter jumped out and walked on the water to Jesus, but he got scared and sank. Jesus caught him and said, "You don't have much faith. Why did you doubt?" He brought Peter to the boat, and all the Apostles worshipped Jesus.

When you're having fun and then, suddenly, having trouble, the first thing you do is yell for your parents. No matter what happens, Mom or Dad seem to know what to do. They can drive to the hospital, fix a flat, or give advice before you figure out what the problem is!

Jesus' followers felt like that about Him. With Jesus around, they felt safe, even walking on water! But without Him, they were sunk. Like you and Peter, when they got scared, they needed help, fast!

Even though your Mom and Dad help when you have a problem, they might get upset later. If you're careful, they say, you might get in less trouble (like staying away from a bee's nest); and you can learn to solve some problems yourself (like pumping up a tire).

Jesus taught the Apostles that lesson. With Jesus there, Peter ran across a lake; but when Peter thought, "I can't walk on water!" he started to drown. Jesus told Peter he didn't need Jesus standing right next to him. Believing in God and himself was enough.

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, show me the right person to go to with a problem " Mom, Dad or myself " and always, you! Amen.