Sunday Micro Retreat – January 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.
Today, we ask for the grace of discipleship.
Now read the Sunday's Gospel:
John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus.
When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon.
One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated the Christ). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).
(John 1:35-42)
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.Following Jesus
What does 'following Jesus' mean to you in your daily life? How do you discern and respond to His call?
2.Seeking and Finding
Reflecting on the disciples' question to Jesus, "Rabbi, where are you staying?" how do you seek Jesus in your own life? What does 'Come and see' signify to you in your spiritual exploration?
3.Personal Transformation
How have encounters with Jesus transformed your life, akin to Simon being named Peter? In what ways do you feel you have been 'renamed' or transformed in your faith journey?
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.
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