Sunday Micro Retreat – February 4, 2024

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 compassion.

Now read the Sunday's Gospel:

As soon as Jesus and his disciples left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her at once. He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up. Then the fever left her, and she began to serve them.
That evening, at sunset, they brought to Jesus all who were sick or possessed with demons. And the whole city was gathered around the door. And he cured many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons; and he would not permit the demons to speak, because they knew him.
In the morning, while it was still very dark, Jesus got up and went out to a deserted place, and there he prayed. And Simon and his companions hunted for him. When they found him, they said to him, “Everyone is searching for you.”
He answered, “Let us go on to the neighbouring towns, so that I may proclaim the message there also; for that is what I came out to do.” And Jesus went throughout Galilee, proclaiming the message in their synagogues and casting out demons. (Mark 1:29-39)

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. Compassion in Action
When Jesus hears of Simon's mother-in-law's illness, He immediately goes to her and heals her.
How does this prompt you to think about the way you respond to the needs of those around you? Are there areas in your life where you feel called to offer more immediate and compassionate responses?

2. Prayer and Solitude
Jesus retreats to a deserted place to pray. Reflect on your own prayer life. How do you balance the demands of daily life with the need for quiet, solitary time with God? What changes might you need to make to create more space for prayer and contemplation in your life?

3. Prioritizing Spiritual Obligations
Despite the demands and expectations of the crowd, Jesus prioritizes His mission of preaching and healing in other towns. How do you prioritize your spiritual obligations amidst various demands? Are there areas in your life where you need to realign your priorities to better fulfill your spiritual mission?

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.