From March 30 to April 4 our community went on retreat for a time of spiritual exercises. The exercises are an opportunity to take a break from our daily routine. They are a “holy” time, a time set apart for God in which He chooses to “speak to the heart.” Blessed John Paul II described the spiritual exercises as an “experience of God that is born out of listening to the Word, a listening that becomes concrete in one's life. Through silence, contemplation, prayer, and with the help of a guide, it gives us the capacity to discern in order to purify the heart.”
The
theme of the exercises was: “Being Franciscan Missionaries Today.” Friar Domenico Paoletti led the exercises, guiding our meditation with his reflections
on the story of the Good Samaritan (Lk 10, 25-37). The passage contains
multiple themes, including the meaning of being a good neighbor. This is one
aspect that highlights what it means to be a Franciscan missionary, to draw
near to the other in various areas of life, especially in the area of faith. This parable takes us to the heart of Christian
life: love that reaches out to one’s neighbor. In this love, mission acquires a
deeper significance: to love and embrace everyone. The Good Samaritan was a
model for Saint Francis of Assisi, who, with his embrace of the leper, became an
overpowering image of this love that accepts everyone.
During
the exercises each day was filled with two reflections friar Domenico, Mass,
community prayer and time for personal meditation and silence. It was a time of grace for each of us, a space for meeting God by entering into
ourselves. Before this unconditional love one can only remain silent, in awe,
and like the Samaritan seek to share this love with one’s brothers.
Happy
Easter!
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