Two Directions

Scripture

...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?”… (Mt 14:22-33)

Lk 9:51-56 "…Jesus resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem…”

Deut 30:15-20 “Here, then, I have today set before you life and…death…”

Introduction & Welcome (1 min.)

I. Opening Prayer (5 min.)

Grace: To identify consolation and desolation in my life.

Use the grace and the suggested scripture above to create your own prayer, or use CLC Opening Prayer.

Note: Ask for a volunteer to lead opening and closing prayers for the next meeting.

II. Check-In (5 min.)

What were some of your high and low points of the week?

III. Focus Exercise (40 min.)

Materials Needed: CLC supply box (CLC journal booklets, candle, papers, pens, etc.), instrumental music

Introduction

Connect tonight’s topic with last week’s topic. Last week, we explored the question, “Where am I headed?” We looked at the definition and key aspects of discernment. We also briefly talked about 2 different spiritual movements or directions: towards God (consolation) and away from God (desolation). Tonight, we are going to continue to talk about these two directions. In a few moments, we are to going to have a guided Ignatian Contemplation on Peter’s own experience of consolation and desolation.

Review: Ignatian Contemplation allows you to use your imagination and imagine that you are there as the event occurs. Allow God’s spirit to guide your imagination and spirit. Let’s read the story first so that we can be familiar with what happens.

Exercise: Ignatian Contemplation with The Rise and Fall of Peter

Refer to Guided Meditation below or PDF version.

Matthew 14: 22-23

Immediately 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 he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, 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.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards 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.’

(Note: After reading the gospel passage above, then proceed to the guided contemplation below…)

Guided Ignatian Contemplation - The Rise and Fall of Peter

Instruction: read slowly and prayerfully…pray as you read….pause at the ellipses (…) pause for a longer period of time at places with more ellipses (………) If possible, play instrumental music in background

Introduction

Sit in an upright position and close your eyes; relax but stay focused; do not fall asleep. Take a deep breath and relax. Breathe deeply in...and breathe out. Relax. Again, breathe in slowly...and breath out. Be aware of your breathing…

With each breath, slowly fill your lungs completely and then slowly exhale. Notice your breathing becoming slower, more gentle...feel any part of your body that is tense...Relax it...Let go of the tension…

Setting

Now I invite you to take a journey with me...Imagine yourself as Peter with your friends on the boat….It’s dawn. You are in the mist and fog of a dark dawn. You feel the strong wind and the fresh air of the lake….You hear the sound of the waves bouncing and shaking your boat…. You ponder what occurred yesterday: this new rabbi, Jesus, challenged you and your friends to feed the poor with only five loaves and two fish….Yet, he took what you had and fed more than 5,000 people and then went off to the mountain…You wonder where he is now….(pause)

As you are wondering, your friends screamed, “Look, it’s a ghost!” And then there is a familiar voice, “It’s me, don’t be afraid.” Notice your reaction at the moment…Are you surprised? Frightened? Confused? Amazed? ….(pause)

“Lord, if it’s you,” you say, “let me come to you on the water.”

“Come.” The voice is firm, inviting, and challenging….Notice how you feel….shocked? nervous? Desire to take the challenge to step out of the boat, out of your comfort zone to walk on water to the unknown? You look at Jesus and start walking….What helped you walk on water?…..(pause)

You walk and walk towards Jesus….you get closer and closer….but then you are hit by the strong wind and waves….fear takes over you…..You doubt yourself and lose sight of Jesus…...You sink under the water and get frightened……You scream and scream….notice how you feel under the water….(pause)

You struggle under the water and cry out, “Lord, save me!” “Lord, save me!” “Lord, save….!” Then a strong hand grasps your hand and pulls you out of the water….Notice how you feel….Nervous? Safe? Joyful? ... How did Jesus look at you? look into his eyes….feel his hands. Then Jesus asks you, “why did you doubt?” ….you respond….(pause)

Both of you start walking on the water toward the boat….seeing your friends…..you talk and talk …..spend a few minutes to talk with Jesus and your friends about the incident…… (pause for a minute or two)

Now it is time for you, your friends, and Jesus to move on to the shore….and continue his mission…. It’s time for you to leave this place….to leave your imagination and return to this room ..take your time...when you are ready, open your eyes….(pause)

(Note: invite members to pray with the questions below. These questions can be found in their journal booklets)

Suggested questions to pray and share:

What thoughts and feelings stirred within you during the guided meditation?
When was the last time you “walked on the water” towards Jesus? (Ignatius calls it consolation). What/who helped you? Describe.
When was the last time you “sank under the water” away from Jesus? (Ignatius calls it desolation). What/who hindered you? Describe.
Is there anything else you want to talk about?

Sharing

Invite members to share their prayer experiences. Use suggested questions to facilitate.

Listening Deeper

What has struck you as you have been listening to others share? Do you notice any patterns or commonalities?
How have you been feeling throughout this meeting? Comforted? Anxious? Curious?
Is there anything you would like to share after having heard other people share?

IV. Moving Forward (5 min.)

Wrap-Up: Thank members for their openness and participation.
Action: Invite members to repeat the Ignatian Contemplation on Mt 14: 22-33 at home and share with their prayer partners.
Announcement:
- Topic for next meeting and upcoming CLC events
- Note: Looking ahead to next meeting, “Three Vocation questions.” One of the questions is, “What does my community need from me?” We need to gather information from our community service placements or immersions.

V. Closing Prayer (5 min.)

Invite members to voice any prayers or petitions out loud. End with the prayer below.

Prayer for the Offering

Gracious God,

You call us to let go of the things we cling to and step out in faith,

trusting in Your love and provision.

Give us courage to step out boldly,

and sufficient faith to follow without fear.

Take our lives and our gifts.

Use them to accomplish more than we could possibly imagine,

so that, through us, Your kingdom might come and Your will be done

on earth as it is in heaven.

Amen.

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