Sunday Micro Retreat – July 10, 2022
As you begin your time of reflection, try to realize that you are standing on holy ground and that you are in the presence of God who wants to talk to you and who wants to listen to you.
Make the Sign of the Cross. The Holy Spirit is opening your heart and mind so the Word of God that you are about to read can flourish in you for God's glory. Pray that you continue to work with his grace. Let the words or your prayer flow from your mind, through your heart. Try to "feel" what you are saying.
Is there anything that you would like to ask God at this moment? What graces does your heart desire? Talk to God about it.
Today, we ask for the grace of being able to serve where God sends us
Now read the Sunday's Gospel:
"A lawyer stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he said, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
Jesus said to him, "What is written in the Law? What do you read there?" The lawyer answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself."
And Jesus said to him, "You have given the right answer; do this, and you will live." But wanting to justify himself, the lawyer asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbour?"
Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of robbers, who stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side.
"But a Samaritan while travelling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
"The next day the Samaritan took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said, 'Take care of him; and when I come back, I will repay you whatever more you spend.'"
Jesus asked, "Which of these three, do you think, was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?" The lawyer said, "The one who showed him mercy." Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."" (Luke 10, 25-37)
The Word of God touches everyone differently. If there is anything that really stood out for you in this reading, meditate on it. Go to the depths of your heart and listen to what God is trying to say to you.
Next, let's spend some time with a couple of points that you may consider during this Sunday's Retreat:
1. " Now by chance "
"Now by chance a priest was going down that road." This short phrase "by chance" indicates that it was probably a road that was not used by travellers frequently. If many people were on that road, we would not encounter the statement that someone happened to be there by chance. Therefore, we may ask why the man decided to take this path? Was that the only path available? Or maybe it was the shortest one? Was the man aware of all the dangers? Or did he enter the path completely unprepared?
Whatever the answer may be, in the end, the man suffered during his lonely travel.
As you reflect on this point, think about your own life: were any decisions you took that put you on a "lonely path"? Were there any moments when you experienced complete failure because of a choice that you made? Were there moments when you felt no hope, and it seemed like this was the end of the road for you? What happened during those moments? Was there anyone who happened to be there but ignored your troubles? Was there anyone who offered to help? How did you react to either situation? How do you feel about this situation now? Are you fully recovered and healed, or do you maybe still hold some grudges or unforgiveness?
2. "… a Samaritan… poured oil and wine on [his wounds]. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn… took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper to take care of him…"
Have you noticed how well this Samaritan managed his goods? He used them wisely to help this wounded man. He did not hesitate to share what he had with the one that needed help.
Now think about all the goods that you have, both material and spiritual. How do you manage them? Are you free to share them with those who may need them? Do you take the time to notice the less fortunate people? Are you accessible to other people? Can a stranger count on your help?
You may end this retreat by going to a place where you may find a homeless person. Bring that person a sandwich that was made by you…. Offer a smile…. Have a conversation…. Just be there for that person for 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or for whatever time you feel may be needed in your particular situation.
It is good to keep a personal journal in which reflections that stood out for you are recorded. The outcome of those Sunday Micro Retreats is good material that you can talk about in your spiritual direction.
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