Thursday, June 07, 2007

Silent Retreat


No, I have no plans to go on a silent retreat, though I have done short ones in the past and wouldn't mind doing so again for a longer period of time. But this morning I was at my usual watering hole, House of Java, gathering strength for the day and continuing my reading of Paul Mariani's Thirty Days on Retreat with the Exercises of St. Ignatius. I continue to draw enormous food for thought from this book but it is also showing me that I need to make a brave decision in my life.
I carry postcards with me all the time and use them as bookmarks. The postcard in this photo is the advertising card for the university's annual Senior Show. As I was reading Thirty Days this morning, I was deeply moved by these words that Mariani found within himself as he followed this spiritual journey - "What a poor creature I would be if I had to depend only on myself." A voice inside me echoed these thoughts and I knew I had to keep these words close at hand. There is something that I have been avoiding doing for a few weeks now and I will need to keep these words in my heart as I move closer to doing something that will require of me a lot of personal bravery and strength of purpose.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Be strong, and let your heart take courage all you who wait for the Lord.

~ Psalm 31:24

My favorite Bible verse. Good luck.

Carole Burant said...

Hopefully once you do what needs to be done, your heart will be lighter! xox

Julie said...

We can sweep things under the rug only so long; eventually the rug wears threadbare and those "things" are visible and still waiting. As PEA says, your heart will be lighter, but the process may be difficult.

Wishing you strength, my friend.

Tammy Brierly said...

I learned this quote to be true so may you use your strength to move forward. XXOO

Sue Seibert said...

I would LOVE to go on another silent retreat. It's been ages since I did one at All Saints Sisters of the Poor in Catonsville MD, but they were wonderful. I done short ones here at home. Have you seen the new book "Scary Nuns, Sisters at Work and Play"? My grandson's godmother, Sister Julia Mary, told me about it, so I ordered it and it's on the way.

Susie said...

I love that quote! My prayer is that you will find the strength to do what is weighing on your heart..
xo

Lisa Oceandreamer Swifka said...

I wish you strength for this act of bravery and then when it is complete you will fell fulfilled for having done so!
XOXO

Anonymous said...

Coincidence. I hosted a workshop for "my" deacons yesterday about silent retreat with St. Ignatius.

Jacob said...

Mariani? Love their dried fruits!!!

Jacob said...

St. Ignatius of Loyola, founder of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) was an awesome man.