Sunday Micro Retreat – August 13, 2023
As you begin your time of reflection, try to realize that you are standing on holy ground and in the presence of God, who wants to talk to you and listen to you.
Make the Sign of the Cross. The Holy Spirit is opening your heart and mind so the Word of God that you are about to read can flourish in you for God's glory. Pray that you continue to work with his grace. Let the words or your prayer flow from your mind through your heart. Try to "feel" what you are saying.
Is there anything you would like to ask God now? What graces does your heart desire?
Talk to God about it.
Today, we ask for the grace of growing in God's love.
Now read the Sunday's Gospel:
Immediately after feeding the crowd with the five loaves and two fish, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray.
When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them.
And early in the morning Jesus came walking toward them on the sea. But when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, “Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.”
Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” Jesus said, “Come.” So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”
(Matt 14:22-33)
The Word of God touches everyone differently. If there is anything that really stood out for you in this reading, meditate on it.
Go to the depths of your heart and listen to what God is trying to say to you.
Next, let's spend some time reflecting on the following point:
1.Jesus went up the mountain by himself to pray.
How does Jesus' intentional choice to be alone on the mountain to pray inspire you to cultivate moments of solitude in your own life? How can you create spaces for prayer that allow you to connect more deeply with God?
Jesus prioritized communion with God through prayer. How can you elevate your prayer life to a place of priority amidst your daily responsibilities and activities? What steps can you take to carve out time for meaningful prayer?
The mountain served as a natural backdrop for Jesus' prayer. Are there natural settings that resonate with you for connecting with God? How can you integrate the beauty of creation into your prayer experiences?
Jesus went to the mountain alone, indicating the significance of silent communion with God. Are there areas in your prayer life where you can embrace silence and stillness to hear God's voice more clearly?
2.Jesus came walking toward them on the sea
Reflect on the significance of Jesus walking on water—a miraculous departure from the natural order. How might this symbolism encourage you to step beyond your comfort zone and embrace the extraordinary possibilities God has for you?
Jesus' ability to walk on water remains a mystery. How does this encourage you to embrace the mysteries of your own faith journey and remain open to God's miraculous workings?
As you reflect on these questions, may you find new layers of meaning in Jesus' miraculous walk on the sea and discover ways to apply its truths to your own spiritual walk.
You may end this retreat by going on nature-inspired walking meditation, contemplating the statement "Jesus came walking toward them on the sea" while immersing yourself in the soothing rhythms of the outdoors.
It is good to keep a personal journal where reflections that stood out for you are recorded. The outcome of those Sunday Micro Retreats is
good material that you can talk about in your spiritual direction.
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