Our Sabbath Scripture Stories – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Cycle A

Read or listen to this Sunday’s Mass readings here.

  • 1 Kings 19:9a, 11-13a
  • Romans 9:1-5
  • Matthew 14:22-33

“Everyone gather by the piano!”  Mom called out on this bright Sunday morning.  “We have a special musical event for our Gospel reading!”

“This should be fun!” Vincent was heard to say as he came sliding into the living room.  Vincent loved unexpected things!

Dad began.  “Okay, after I read the Gospel passage for this morning, we have a featured presentation!  Mom, Hillary, and Lucy have worked on writing a song that captures our entire Scripture!  And, it will be up to the rest of us to help sing along!”

“What?”  Vincent laughed.  He was looking forward to a singing presentation, not necessarily an “audience participation” event!

Dad opened the Bible and began.  He read the passage of the storm on Lake Gennesaret, when Peter and other disciples were fishing.  Suddenly, they saw Jesus walking on the water towards them, and they became afraid.  Peter spoke up and said, “If it’s really You, Jesus, give me the power and faith to walk on water, too!”  After a few watery steps, Peter’s faith faltered, and he had to be rescued by Jesus.  The Lord then scolded Peter for doubting his faith.  With Jesus near, he would be safe.

Dad closed his Bible, and turned it over to Mom.

“Okay, Everybody!”  Mom started, playing a sweeping musical introduction on the piano.  “Hillary will pass out the song sheets.  And we want to hear everybody singing!”

“Yeah, Everybody!”  Lucy remarked, eyeing her brother Vincent.

Soon the entire Pauline family had a song sheet in hand. 

Mom again broke in with musical fanfare.  “The tune the girls and I have picked out for our song is one you all know.  Let’s all join our voices in singing, ‘The Stormy Sea Song’ to the tune of “Row, Row, Row Your Boat!’ ”

And everyone (that includes you!) began singing:

Row, row, row the boat,
Take it on the lake.
The stormy sea is scaring me,
The boat is going to break!

Look, look on the lake,
There is Someone brave.
It’s Jesus dear, coming near,
Walking on a wave.

Peter tells the Lord,
“I have my faith, too.
I think I oughta walk on water,
Let me come to you!”

Step, step, Peter goes,
Out upon the lake.
The wind’s severe, he starts to fear,
“This is a mistake!”

Jesus scoops him out
Of the rocky sea.
“I was here, you shouldn’t fear!
Have faith and cling to me!”

Would you prefer a print a copy of this story?

Cycle A, 19 OT, SSSDownload

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