Sunday Micro Retreat – November 5, 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 being an authentic follower of Christ.
Now read the Sunday's Gospel:
Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ chair; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practise what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honour at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi.
“But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers and sisters. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father — the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you will be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
(Matt 23:1-12)
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 points:
1.Do as they teach but not as they do
The passage emphasizes the contrast between teaching and practice, urging individuals to follow the teachings while being mindful of their own actions.
How can you ensure that your actions align with your beliefs and teachings, as mentioned in the passage?
In what ways can you relate the burdens placed on others by the scribes and Pharisees to contemporary situations, and what lessons can you draw from this?
2.The greatest among you will be your servant
What are some practical ways to embody the role of a servant and prioritize serving others in your daily interactions?
Can you provide specific examples of how the values of humility, service, and sincerity can be lived out in your relationships with others, and how can you implement them effectively?
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 131.
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.
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