Sunday Micro Retreat – February 11, 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 physical and spiritual healing.

Now read the Sunday's Gospel:

A man with leprosy came to Jesus begging him, and kneeling said to Jesus, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose. Be made clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.

After sternly warning him Jesus sent him away at once, saying to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

But the man went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to Jesus from every quarter. (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. Faith in Jesus' Will
The leper approached Jesus with confidence in His ability to heal, but he also submitted to Jesus’ will, saying, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” How do you balance trust in God’s power with submission to His will in your own life?

2. The Impulse to Testify
The man's response to his healing was to proclaim it, despite Jesus’ warning. Reflect on how you have handled moments of profound personal transformation. How do you discern when to share your experiences and when to keep them private?

3. Personal 'Leprosies'
Leprosy can be seen as a symbol of our own personal failings or sins. In what ways do you seek healing and reconciliation from your own 'leprosies', and how do you respond once you've received forgiveness?

4. Desire for God’s Presence
Despite the challenges, people sought Jesus in the countryside. How do you seek the presence of God in your everyday life, especially when it is not convenient or straightforward?

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.