SESSION 1 — THE CALL OF CHRIST
THE PATH BACK TO JESUS CHRIST
"Come and follow me"

Intention of the Session

To listen to the call of Jesus Christ, to open the heart to follow Him, and to become inwardly willing to walk in Him—for one’s own good, for others, and for all Creation.

Sacred Opening

In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A brief silence is kept.

Invocation

Lord God,
Father of mercy,
we give You thanks because You call us first.

We open our hearts to listen to You
and to follow Your Son, Jesus Christ,
with humility and truth.

Amen.

Living Word (Gospel)

Read slowly:

"As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee,
He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.
They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.
And He said to them:
‘Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.’
At once they left their nets
and followed Him."

(Matthew 4:18–20)

Silence is kept.

Brief Meditation (without added interpretation)

Jesus Christ calls.
He does not force.
He does not explain the whole path.

He simply says: “Come and follow me.”

The call is personal.
It is now.
And it asks for a free response.

Silence.

Breath of Availability

Gently:

• As you inhale:
“Lord, here I am.”

• As you exhale:
“I want to follow You.”

Repeat three times, in inner silence.

Prayer of Response to the Call

Lord Jesus Christ,
Son of the living God,
You who called the first disciples,
today You also call my heart.

I do not come because I am worthy,
but because You call me.

I offer You my life, my paths, my resistances,
and my fears.

Teach me to walk with You,
to listen to Your voice,
and to trust in Your Love.

Amen.

Simple Ritual Gesture

Place one hand over the heart.

Say inwardly or softly:

“Lord, here is my heart.
Lead me along Your path.”

This gesture is offered:
• for oneself
• for all who are seeking meaning
• for all Creation awaiting redemption

Intention for Creation

Lord Jesus Christ,
we offer this first step of the Path
for all our brothers and sisters,
for those who are far away,
for those who have lost faith,
for the Earth and for all Creation,
that Your Light may be heard again.

Amen.

Integration

A longer silence is kept.

Nothing is done.
Nothing is asked.
Simply remain.

Closing and Blessing

May the Lord bless us and keep us.
May the Lord make His face shine upon us
and be gracious to us.
May the Lord lift up His countenance upon us
and give us peace.

Amen.

(cf. Numbers 6:24–26)

In the name of the Father,
and of the Son,
and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.