Near to Him

<p>In Matthew 14:22–33, Peter steps out of the boat and walks toward Jesus in the midst of a storm, revealing a heart that desires intimacy with Christ more than safety or certainty. Through Carlo Maratti&#39;s painting, this reflection explores how vulnerability, trust, and courage allow us to leave the comfort of the boat and draw near to Jesus even when the waves of fear, suffering, and confusion surround us. Ultimately, the episode reminds us that when we begin to sink, Christ&#39;s first response is mercy—stretching out His hand to save us before correcting us, teaching us to pray Peter&#39;s simple prayer: &quot;Lord, save me.&quot;</p><p><br></p><p>Reflection Questions:</p><ol><li>Why do you think Peter was the only disciple willing to step out of the boat?</li><li>What &quot;boats&quot; of comfort or security are hardest for you to leave behind?</li><li>What would it look like this week to take one concrete step toward Jesus, even if it feels risky or uncomfortable?</li></ol><p><br></p><p><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KC4y47Bt7qCdeGqHkNfPvwWNelS9dhPI/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Here&#39;s the link</a> for the image of the sacred art piece of this week, Tondo piece of Christ Bidding Peter to Walk on the Water by Carlo Marotti: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1KC4y47Bt7qCdeGqHkNfPvwWNelS9dhPI/view?usp=sharing</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1VjKXJZBRhG1BCQ4MQqgXY3OwR_B5pkFwjPCoyTJCnOg/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Here&#39;s the link</a> for the Google Slides presentation for experiencing this podcast in a group setting: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1VjKXJZBRhG1BCQ4MQqgXY3OwR_B5pkFwjPCoyTJCnOg/edit?usp=sharing</p><p><br></p><p><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/10Cr8haSA_TJlIKoCb_NToXpE7bZ1CVRScurfatT_Ul4/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Here&#39;s the link</a> to the text of the meditation: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10Cr8haSA_TJlIKoCb_NToXpE7bZ1CVRScurfatT_Ul4/edit?usp=sharing</p><p>___</p><p>Learn more about the mission of <strong>Paradisus Dei</strong> and its life-changing parish programs <a href="https://paradisusdei.org/"><u>here</u></a>.</p><p>The <strong>World English Bible</strong> is in the public domain and was used for all scripture quotations.</p><p><strong>Intro music</strong>: &quot;My Life (Main)” by Good B Music</p><p><strong>Meditation Music</strong>: Reawaken Hymns Worship Pads - foundations in the key of A</p>