info@contemplativeretreat.com
Contemplative Retreat
Sunday Micro Retreat – June 23, 2024

Sunday Micro Retreat – June 23, 2024

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.

Now read the Sunday's Gospel:
When evening had come, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go across to the other side.” And leaving the crowd behind, they took Jesus with them in the boat, just as he was. Other boats were with him.
A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that the boat was already being swamped. But Jesus was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; and they woke him up and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” He woke up and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” Then the wind ceased, and there was a dead calm.
Jesus said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” And they were filled with great awe and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark 4.35-41)


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 points:

  1. In the midst of the storm, the disciples were fearful and questioned Jesus' care for them. Reflect on a time in your life when you felt overwhelmed by life's challenges. How did you respond to these challenges, and where did you place your trust?How can you cultivate a deeper trust in Jesus during the "storms" of your life?
  2. Jesus was physically present with the disciples in the boat, yet they still were afraid. How do you perceive Jesus' presence in your daily life, especially during difficult times? What practices can help you become more aware of Jesus' presence in your life?
  3. Jesus asked, "Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?" Reflect on your own fears. What are the things that cause you the most anxiety or fear, and how do these fears affect your faith? What steps can you take to confront these fears with faith?
  4. The disciples were in awe that even the wind and sea obeyed Jesus. How does recognizing Jesus' authority over creation influence your understanding of his divinity? How can this recognition strengthen your faith in Jesus' ability to guide and protect you?
  5. Jesus calmed the storm with the words, "Peace! Be still!" How do you seek and experience God's peace in your life? What spiritual practices can you incorporate into your routine to help you experience deeper peace?
  6. Reflect on the disciples’ reaction to the storm and Jesus’ response. How does your faith hold up during times of adversity and uncertainty? How can you prepare spiritually to respond with faith rather than fear when faced with life's storms?
  7. The passage mentions other boats were with Jesus and His disciples. How do you seek and offer support within your faith community during challenging times? In what ways can you strengthen your ties with your faith community to ensure mutual support and encouragement?
  8. Jesus reassured the disciples despite their lack of faith. How does this passage encourage you about Jesus’ patience for you, even when your faith wavers? How can you remind yourself of Jesus’ reassurance when you face doubts and fears?
  9. The disciples were in awe of Jesus' power. How have you personally encountered Jesus' power and presence in your life? How can these encounters shape your ongoing relationship with Him and inspire your spiritual growth?
  10. Jesus asked, "Have you still no faith?" How would you answer this question if Jesus asked you today? What areas of your life require a renewed commitment to faith, and how can you actively work on these areas?

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.

Meditation with Mark 1:14-20

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *