Sunday Micro Retreat – June 30, 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.

Now read the Sunday's Gospel:
When Jesus had crossed in the boat to the other side, a great crowd gathered around him; and he was by the sea. Then one of the synagogue leaders named Jairus came and, when he saw Jesus, fell at his feet and begged him repeatedly, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made well, and live.” So Jesus went with him. And a large crowd followed him.
Some people came from the leader’s house to say, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the teacher any further?” But overhearing what they said, Jesus said to the leader of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.”
Jesus allowed no one to follow him. When they came to the house of the leader of the synagogue, he saw a commotion, people weeping and wailing loudly. When he had entered, he said to them, “Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead but sleeping.” And they laughed at him.
Then Jesus put them all outside, and took the child’s father and mother and those who were with him, and went in where the child was. He took her by the hand and said to her, “Talitha cum,” which means, “Little girl, get up!” And immediately the girl got up and began to walk about for she was twelve years of age.
At this they were overcome with amazement. He strictly ordered them that no one should know this, and told them to give her something to eat. (Mark 5.21-24, 35-43)

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. Reflect on a time when you, like Jairus, were desperate and sought Jesus' help. How did you feel in that moment? How did Jesus respond to your plea?
   
2. Consider the words of Jesus to Jairus, “Do not fear, only believe.” How do you handle fear and doubt in your faith journey? What does it mean to you to "only believe" in challenging circumstances?
   
3. When Jesus said, “The child is not dead but sleeping,” the crowd laughed at Him. Have you ever experienced skepticism or disbelief from others about your faith or spiritual experiences? How did you respond?
   
4. Reflect on the role of the crowd in this narrative. How does your faith community support or challenge your faith? How can you be a supportive presence for others in your community?
   
5. Jesus took the child’s parents and a few disciples inside with Him to perform the miracle. What does this intimate setting teach you about the nature of God’s work in your life? How do you create intimate moments with God in your daily routine?
   
6. “Talitha cum” resulted in an immediate miracle. How do you keep hope alive for the "impossible" situations in your life? Where do you see opportunities for God's miraculous intervention today?
   
7. Jesus ordered that no one should know about the miracle. Reflect on the significance of humility in your faith journey. How do you balance sharing your faith with humility and discretion?
   
8. After raising the girl, Jesus instructed them to give her something to eat. What are the ways you can nurture new spiritual life in yourself and others? How do you support the growth of faith in your community?
   
9. The people were overcome with amazement at the miracle. How has witnessing or experiencing God's work transformed your faith? How do you share these transformative experiences with others?

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.