After he had fed the people, Jesus made the disciples get into a boat
and precede him to the other side,
while he dismissed the crowds.
After doing so, he went up on the mountain by himself to pray.
When it was evening he was there alone.
Meanwhile the boat, already a few miles offshore,
was being tossed about by the waves, for the wind was against it.
During the fourth watch of the night,
he came toward them walking on the sea.
When the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were terrified.
“It is a ghost,” they said, and they cried out in fear.
At once Jesus spoke to them, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Peter said to him in reply,
“Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.”
He said, “Come.”
Peter got out of the boat and began to walk on the water toward Jesus.
But when he saw how strong the wind was he became frightened;
and, beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand and caught Peter,
and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”
After they got into the boat, the wind died down.
Those who were in the boat did him homage, saying,
“Truly, you are the Son of God.”
Simple Instructions:
After reading the first time…invite to share, a word, a phrase, idea, image or thought.
After reading the second time… invite to share: My life has been like the disciples’ – tossed about by the wind and waves, sometimes even sinking – when…At these times Jesus has “stretched out his hand” to save me by…
After reading the third time… invite to share… what I am called to do or what I am called to change.
Then move around the circle…offering prayer of thanks (Thank you God…) and petition (Please God…).
Conclude by praying the Lord’s Prayer together.
Remember one is always free to pass.