The Bible is always a powerful source of spiritual nourishment and a guide for our lives. Here are some passages that speak to the importance of retreat for you to ponder.
“Be still, and know that I am God” – Psalm 46:10
“But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on His Word day and night.” – Psalms 1:2
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
“There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.” – Hebrews 4:9-10
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for His name’s sake.” – Psalm 23:2-3
“The Lord replied, ‘My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.’” – Exodus 33:14
“Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him.” – Psalm 62:1
“…be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2
“And the God of all grace … will, Himself, restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” – 1 Peter 5:10
Here are ideas for you as you seek to know Jesus in Retreat:
PRAY
- Thank God for loving you so much that He wants frequent time alone with you. Ask Him for His help in committing time to retreat each week. Trust Him to guide you during the time you reserve for your retreats.
- At the end of each day, prayerfully consider whether you have spent time in retreat. If you did, recall the joys of your retreat; and if you did not, make an effort to plan a specific time to retreat with God in the near future.
ACT
- Set aside time on your calendar at least once a week to retreat with God. Sundays are perfect times to do this; but, if a Sunday doesn’t work for you, seek another time in the week and reserve it for God.
- Retreat can also be about taking time for fellowship and learning more about your parish. Come to the St. Mary Church International Festival this weekend - October 4th from 5:00pm - 8:00pm. While you’re there, visit the St. Mary Museum which tells the story about our 140 year history in the Walnut Creek community.
- Retreat to St. John Vianney on October 3 at 6pm for a Mass dedicated to peace in our nation and on October 15, 6:30pm at St. Mary for a Special Benediction.
INSPIRE
- Let other people know about your retreat plans and experiences. Encourage them to do the same.
- Model your retreat practice for family members, especially children. Invite them to join you in times of silence to begin their own retreat times.
