Matthew 14:22-33
Lead in #1: Matthew 14 is a fascinating story. At the fourth watch of the night, 4:00 a.m., Jesus comes to the fishing boat of the disciples walking on the water. The disciples cry out in fear, “It’s a ghost!” But Jesus assures them, “Take courage! It is I.Do not be afraid.” That is always his words of encouragement for us, “Do not fear for I am here.”
Prompt #1: Reflect on a time when you were afraid, but with God’s help you found the courage to face your fears.
Prompt #2: Where is it in your life that you most need courage?
Lead in #2: In John 20, we have “doubting Thomas.” In Matthew 14, we have “doubting Peter.”Peter asks for a sign, “If it’s really you, then tell me to come.”
Prompt #3: Reflect on a time when you questioned God, so you asked for a sign.
Lead in #3: Doubting is often part of coming to faith. Peter came to deeper faith even when his lack of faith caused him to sink in the water.
Prompt #4: Reflect on a time when your doubts brought you to deeper faith.
Lead in #4: Jesus invites Peter to step out onto the water, and so he does. To his surprise, Peter finds he is able to slide his feet across the slippery surface of the water. But when he sees how strong the wind is, he becomes frightened and begins to sink.“Lord, save me!” he cries out. In a homily given on Matthew 14, Pope Francis encourages us in dark moments not to be ashamed, but to cry out with the prayer of Peter, “Lord, save me.” It’s a beautiful prayer. A prayer from the heart touches God’s heart.
Prompt #5: Reflect on a time when you found yourself crying out to God for help.
Lead in #5: In this gospel we have another episode involving Peter, and it’s another example of Peter not getting it right. He means well, but then he falters. In this case, Peter finds himself in heavy seas about to drown. But Jesus reaches out to save him from the churning waves of the Sea of Galilee. Once again, things did not go well for Peter. But Peter would be given other chances to get it right. Jesus kept calling Peter again, and again. And eventually the call stuck.
Prompt #6: Reflect on a time when you felt God was calling you but, like Peter, you fell flat on your face.
Prompt #7: Reflect on a time when, like Peter, you were able to redeem yourself by learning from your mistakes.