Prayer in union with the worldwide community
I ask for the grace to live in thanksgiving, in union with that of all the delegates and volunteers returning home after the world assembly in Amiens.
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone, and the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it. Shortly before dawn Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”
Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?” And when they climbed into the boat, the wind died down. Then those who were in the boat worshiped him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” (Mt. 14, 22-33)
In union with all the participants, filled with thanksgiving for all that the Lord has given and accompanied in these days, I listen to what Jesus says to the disciples. How does this call to trust resonate within me?
I let those moments return when Christ’s presence and words of life have encouraged and helped me to take new steps. I entrust my prayers to companions who have decisions to make, or difficult moments to live through. I discuss them with the Lord and ask him to trust me, to trust them.
I conclude my prayer by listening to the words that come to me in this moment of intimacy with the Lord. Like the disciples, I address them to him without fear.
In these days close to the feast of the Assumption, I can also ask Mary for her help and pray to her, who never ceases to recommend us to her Son.