Readings: Jer 23:1-6 / Eph 2:13-18 / Mk 6:30-34
“The disciples had no opportunity, even to eat.”
If there’s one area where I can relate to the disciples, it’s this!
Just the other day, after a busy morning, I realized it was 2 PM, I hadn't had lunch, and my next appointment was at 2:15!
Archbishop Sample says this busyness is the number one problem for our spiritual lives today.
When life gets hectic, prayer is often the first thing to go.
We tend to put prayer in the same “self-care category” as exercise, sleep, and a healthy diet –things we know we should do, but often neglect.
But prayer isn't just another item on our self-care list.
All those things are important, but prayer is essential.
Without it, life becomes a meaningless grind.
But with prayer, we’re constantly renewed by the Spirit of God.
Life is filled with purpose and meaning, because we live every day with Christ, and everything we do flows from our relationship with Him.
That's why Jesus invites us today, ‘Come to me. Abide in me. Let me shepherd you. Let me lead you to green pastures, beside restful waters. Come away with me and rest.’
From the earliest days, the Church has embraced this idea of spiritual retreat.
Christ Himself often went away to pray in a deserted place, and in today’s Gospel, He teaches His disciples to do the same.
Priests are required to take an annual retreat, but it’s not just for us clergy.
St. Josemaria Escrivá encouraged everyone seeking a deeper relationship with God to set aside some time each year for a retreat.
He called it “a necessary time for discovering where and how you should change your life.”
Now, I can hear the objections already:
“Father, I can't afford it.”
You can do it for free. Jesus didn’t pay for a fancy retreat house.
“I have young kids; I can't just go away for days.”
That’s okay. Take a day, or even half a day.
Have your spouse take the kids to the pool one Saturday while you spend the morning on retreat. (And next weekend, you take the kids, ‘cause your spouse needs a retreat, too!)
Some people say: “You know, Father, the Devil never took a day off.”
Well, last time I checked, he's the bad guy … and he loses!
The Devil might be a workaholic, but God rested.
Or how about this one: “Father, I just don't have time!”
If you're satisfied with being constantly burnt out, scattered and drifting, “like sheep without a shepherd,” then by all means, don’t go on retreat.
But if you’re looking for a deeper relationship with God, if you want the Good Shepherd to lead you in the paths that lead to life, then “come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”
Start by planning when and where you’ll go.
It doesn't have to be fancy – a day the Abbey, a park or a quiet church will do. If you can go away someplace for a few days, even better.
Leave your phone behind. Just bring the essentials: your Bible, a spiritual book, a journal, a rosary.
Attend Mass and go to confession, if you can.
Then try to maintain silence.
Take a walk, pray the rosary, take a nap.
Most importantly, listen to the Shepherd.
Read a little, reflect, and write down your thoughts and resolutions.
At the end, jot down two or three concrete resolutions that you can put into practice in your daily life. “What should I do? What should I avoid?”
And after your retreat, review your notes and resolutions regularly in prayer.
Today, as we receive the Eucharist, let's respond to Jesus’ invitation.
Commit to planning a retreat, even if it’s just for a few hours.
Talk to me after Mass if you need suggestions.
As we follow our Good Shepherd into the wilderness, He renews our souls; He increases our faith; He gives us new clarity about our life’s mission and purpose; He strengthens us in our daily trials.
And we, the sheep of His flock, will drink from the living waters of His love, and dwell in His house, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Does St. Joseph offer retreats for Women?