So much of what we think of when we reflect on Jesus’ ministry is that He was constantly giving and serving. Healing the sick, curing the blind, casting out demons, and spending time with the outcasts. If we are doing what Jesus has called us to, a lot of our life should look like that as well.
However, when we seek to follow after Him, we tend to think that we always have to hyper extend ourselves, and even neglect ourselves. Yet, from the few anecdotes we get from His life in the Gospels, we have to realize that Jesus would go off to seek solitude and prayer.
Before major moments of mission and ministry, and even just before He went to give Himself on the Cross, Jesus took time to reconnect with the Father in prayer. We can find ourselves pushing, and plotting, and designing, and programming to build His kingdom, yet we don’t take the time to reconnect.
A lot of work went into offering a parish retreat. Planning began in the Summer, lots of prayers were said, there was plenty of reflection, and then it happened. It was an opportunity for the faithful to connect with each other, and with God, to point out the moments in our lives where God has intervened, and we might have missed Him.
Like with all opportunities some took advantage, and some were too busy. This is where I offer an invitation. Let us all pray for those who were too busy to be present, that they might find the opportunity to take a rest like Jesus, refocus, and feel the positive consequences that will follow. For those who took the opportunity, we pray that the opportunity led to their personal growth, and how they connect with God and others in the future.
Good Bless, and Have a Blessed Week