Sunday Micro Retreat – July 14, 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:
Jesus called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics.
Jesus said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.”So the twelve went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. (Mark 6.7-13)
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:
- How do you feel called to serve others in your daily life? What mission do you believe God has for you?
- Jesus instructed the disciples to take nothing for their journey except a staff. What does this teach you about trust and dependence on God?
- Jesus emphasized simplicity by instructing the disciples to travel light. How can you simplify your life to focus more on your spiritual journey and mission?
- Jesus instructed the disciples on how to handle hospitality and rejection. How do you respond to acceptance and rejection in your efforts to share your faith or serve others?
- What gifts and talents has God given you to help others repent and find healing? How can you use these gifts more effectively?
- In what ways can you seek God’s empowerment to overcome spiritual challenges and help others in their spiritual battles?
- How can you remain humble and give glory to God for the successes and fruits of your ministry?
- What steps can you take to ensure that your spiritual practices and mission align with Jesus’ teachings and example?
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.
