Father Jim McKeon reflects on the concept of contemplative prayer and its connection to the story of Jesus walking on water. He begins by acknowledging that often, he finds himself lost in thought when praying, pondering issues, problems, and potential solutions. However, he also admits that sometimes prayer leaves him feeling anxious rather than at peace. To address this, he turns to the story of Jesus walking on water and invites the congregation to consider what it can teach them about their own prayer lives.
Father McKeon highlights the episode where Peter steps out of the boat to walk on water towards Jesus. He emphasizes how Peter's ability to walk on water was rooted in his unwavering focus on Jesus and his power. However, when Peter shifted his attention to the stormy waters around him, he began to sink. This experience parallels our own lives, where we often become consumed by the problems and challenges around us. Father McKeon suggests that by gazing upon the face of Jesus in prayer, we can find the strength and peace to face life's challenges. He encourages the congregation to contemplate Jesus, allowing His presence to empower them to navigate difficulties with a calm and focused mind, just as Peter did when he walked on water.
