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PRAYER FOR THE WEEK
Jesus, help me be patient when adults ask me questions and seem to want certain answers! Amen.

"Who do other people say that I am?" Jesus asked the Apostles. They answered, "John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or another prophet." "But who do you think I am?" Jesus asked. Peter said, "The Messiah, the Son of God." Jesus told him, "Bless you, Peter! Your name means 'rock,' and on this rock, I'll build my church."

Sometimes, when grownups ask you a question, you can tell the answer they want. If they asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" and you said, "Oh, I don't care; I want to drop out of school and just hang out with my friends," the adults would not be happy to hear that!

It can be a pain when you feel like you have to give a certain answer to satisfy an adult, but it does make sense that the adults in your life hope you're learning to be both happy and responsible. If they spend time trying to help you grow up well and you ignore them, that's pretty depressing for everyone!

In this week's Gospel (Matthew 16:13-20), Jesus is like an adult hoping He's taught the Apostles well - but, at first, their answers must worry Him.

Jesus has told the Apostles over and over again that He came from heaven to save the world. He has performed miracles right in front of them and shown them a whole new way of thinking about God as someone to be close to, someone who loves them more than they can imagine.

But when Jesus asks them who everyone thinks He is, some of them name prophets! Jesus must be wondering if they believe that themselves, because he asks, "But who do you think I am?"

Thankfully, Peter jumps in with the right answer. Jesus is relieved that Peter understands, and promises Peter a reward for his faith and loyalty.
Some questions from adults make you roll your eyes. Others need some time and thought before you answer![[In-content Ad]]

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