Cyber Retreat by Fr. Tim Hayes, EGL 1
Encounter with Jesus Christ: That all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, may experience a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them, and that all may do this unfailingly each day.
Theme: I. A joy ever new, a joy which is shared
2. The great danger in today’s world, pervaded as it is by consumerism, is the desolation and anguish born of a complacent yet covetous heart, the feverish pursuit of frivolous pleasures, and a blunted conscience. Whenever our interior life becomes caught up in its own interests and concerns, there is no longer room for others, no place for the poor. God’s voice is no longer heard, the quiet joy of his love is no longer felt, and the desire to do good fades. This is a very real danger for believers too. Many fall prey to it, and end up resentful, angry and listless. That is no way to live a dignified and fulfilled life; it is not God’s will for us, nor is it the life in the Spirit which has its source in the heart of the risen Christ.
3. I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since “no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord”. [Paul VI, Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete in Domino (9 May 1975), 22.] The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk; whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms. Now is the time to say to Jesus: “Lord, I have let myself be deceived; in a thousand ways I have shunned your love, yet here I am once more, to renew my covenant with you. I need you. Save me once again, Lord, take me once more into your redeeming embrace”. How good it feels to come back to him whenever we are lost! Let me say this once more: God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy. Christ, who told us to forgive one another “seventy times seven” (Mt 18:22) has given us his example: he has forgiven us seventy times seven. Time and time again he bears us on his shoulders. No one can strip us of the dignity bestowed upon us by this boundless and unfailing love. With a tenderness which never disappoints, but is always capable of restoring our joy, he makes it possible for us to lift up our heads and to start anew. Let us not flee from the resurrection of Jesus, let us never give up, come what will. May nothing inspire more than his life, which impels us onwards!
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Comment: Pope Francis is very clear that he wishes to offer an invitation to a living relationship with God to every human person. The Church is the body of believers, but her membership is not fixed – and will not be so until the fullness of the Kingdom arrives! As we journey to the Kingdom, we are to be joyful in Faith and to invite others to share our joy. Lent is called a joyful season, because it calls us to clear out the clutter of our hearts. Who is hearing the invitation to come to know Jesus Christ through your Joy?
In this week of Ash Wednesday, we enter into the Season of Lent with a public witness of our need for God’s Mercy. Sinners though we are, we join together to express our common desire to be converted and to renew our commitment to living the Gospel.
Ash Wednesday Readings: http://www.usccb.org/bible/
ASH WEDNESDAY: Attend Mass and receive the imposition of ashes to acknowledge your need for conversion. Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return. Turn away from sin and believe in the Gospel.
Consider the question: What works of charity and Almsgiving will be part of my journey hrough Lent?
Matthew 6:3-4 “. . . When you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right is doing, so that your almsgiving may be secret. And your Father who sees in secret will repay you.”