Sunday Micro Retreat – October 22, 2023
As you begin your time of reflection, try to realize that you are standing on holy ground and in the presence of God, who wants to talk to you and 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 you would like to ask God now? What graces does your heart desire?
Talk to God about it.
Today, we ask for the grace of growing in God's love.
Now read the Sunday's Gospel:
The Pharisees went and plotted to entrap Jesus in what he said. So they sent their disciples to him, along with the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and teach the way of God in accordance with truth, and show deference to no one; for you do not regard people with partiality. Tell us, then, what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to the emperor, or not?”
But Jesus, aware of their malice, said, “Why are you putting me to the test, you hypocrites? Show me the coin used for the tax.” And they brought him a denarius.
Then he said to them, “Whose head is this, and whose title?” They answered, “Caesar’s.” Then he said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
(Matt 22:15-21)
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 reflecting on the following point:
1.Show me the coin
Jesus asks to see a coin. In your own life, what "coins" symbolize worldly concerns and obligations?
How can you navigate these worldly concerns while staying true to your faith? How can you cultivate sincerity and integrity in your own life and decision-making? Are there areas in your life where you struggle with being true to your values?
2.Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s
Think about the concept of "giving to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." How do you balance your responsibilities to society and your faith? Are there areas in your life where these responsibilities conflict, and how do you resolve them? How can you seek God's wisdom and guidance when faced with complex choices?
As you reflect on these questions, may you find new layers of meaning in Jesus' miraculous walk on the sea and discover ways to apply its truths to your own spiritual walk.
You may end this retreat by reading Psalm 96.
It is good to keep a personal journal where 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.
|
|
|
