Sunday Micro Retreat – November 19, 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 recognizing our own talents.
Now read the Sunday's Gospel:
Jesus spoke this parable to his disciples: “For it is as if a man, going on a journey, summoned his slaves and entrusted his property to them; to one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one, to each according to his ability. Then he went away.
“After a long time the master of those slaves came and settled accounts with them. Then the one who had received the five talents came forward, bringing five more talents, saying, ‘Master, you handed over to me five talents; see, I have made five more talents.’ His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and trustworthy slave; you have been trustworthy in a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.’ "
(Matthew 25:14-15, 19-21)
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 points:
1.Fear of Failure:
Consider the servant who received one talent and buried it out of fear. Are there aspects of your life where fear has held you back from utilizing your talents fully? How might you overcome these fears to fulfill your potential?
2.Recognizing and Nurturing Talents in Others:
Consider the master's recognition of the servants' faithful stewardship. Reflect on how you acknowledge and encourage the talents of those around you. How can you foster an environment that nurtures the gifts of others?
3.Time as a Resource:
The master returned after a long time. Consider time as a valuable resource given to us by God. How are you using your time to develop and invest in your talents? Are there adjustments you can make to align your use of time with your priorities?
Your talents are gifts from God, and sharing them brings joy to others and glory to the One who gave them to you. Enjoy exploring and sharing your unique gifts!
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.
|
|
|
