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19th
SUNDAY in Ordinary
Time Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid! (10th August 2008) THE 7 STEPS
1.
SILENCE
2.
WORSHIP
3.
SCRIPTURE
4.
MEDITATION
5.
BY HEART
6.
INTERCESSION
7.
COVENANT
PRAYER “Do not be afraid, I am with you… I have called you each by name Come and follow me, I will lead you home I love you and you are mine”. |
Scripture
In the fourth
watch of the night he went towards them, walking on the lake, and when the
disciples saw him walking on the lake they were terrified. ‘It is a ghost’
they said, and cried out in fear. But at once Jesus called out to them,
saying, ‘Courage! It is I! Do not be afraid.’ lt was Peter who answered.
‘Lord,’ he said ‘if it is you, tell me to come to you across the water.’ ‘Come’
said Jesus. Then Peter got out of the boat and started walking towards Jesus
across the water, but as soon as he felt the force of the wind, he took
fright and began to sink. ‘Lord! Save me!’ he cried. Jesus put out his hand
at once and held him. ‘Man of little faith,’ he said ‘why did you doubt?’ And
as they got into the boat the wind dropped. The men in the boat bowed down
before him and said, ‘Truly, you are the Son of God’. Meditation:
Try to answer as many questions as possible
1.
What was Jesus doing before this?
Why did Jesus walk on the lake to his disciples? What was his purpose?
2.
What was the reaction of the disciples? Were they filled with joy? Why?
3.
What was the immediate reaction of Jesus? Was he angry at them?
4.
“Courage! It is I. Do not be afraid”. What is the meaning of courage? What do you need courage for?
5.
Why did Peter get out of the boat and start walking towards
Jesus? Why did he sink?
6.
What was the immediate reaction of Jesus? Did he let Peter drown? By
Heart: Reflect on this in light of your daily life situation “Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and
accept his power. Help the Pope and all those who wish to serve Christ and
with Christ's power to serve the human person and the whole of mankind. Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors
for Christ. Do not be afraid.
Christ knows "what is in man". He alone knows it. So often today man does not know what is
within him, in the depths of his mind and heart. So often he is uncertain about
the meaning of his life on this earth. He is assailed by doubt, a doubt which
turns into despair. We ask you therefore, we beg you with humility and trust,
let Christ speak to man. He alone has words of life, yes, of eternal life. Pope John Paul II, St.
Peter's Square, Sunday, 22 October 1978
-
What are we most afraid of? If Christ is with us, do we need to be
afraid? Intercession:
1.
For
those who are struggling with their faith, that they might experience the
peace and calm that the Lord brings to their lives
2.
For
those persecuted for their faith, that they might stand firm and be
courageous disciples of the gospel message
3.
For
young people who are searching for meaning in life, that they might discover
the way, truth and life in Jesus
4.
For
those who have committed themselves to 7m4J, that they might continue to
dedicate their time to prayer and meditating on the word of God. Covenant Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, by your suffering, death
and resurrection, you give us new life:
a life filled with joy and purpose; a life only you can give it, for
you are the source of life. Guide us
on our pilgrimage of life, that following you faithfully as your disciples,
we may witness boldly to the world, your love and truth. Enlighten our minds and hearts that your
Word which we read and meditated may take roots in our lives. Help us not to fall into sin and if we do
fall due to our human weakness, bring us back to you for you are the way, the
truth and the life. We also pray for all our brothers and sisters, wherever
they are, who are committed to this prayer, that their faith may be
strengthened, their hope assured and their love fulfilled. In your name we humbly pray. Amen. |
