Spiritual practices: going on retreat

by Ruth Ann Pilney

 

 

 

 

Martha and Mary Magdalen  by Caravaggio (photo credit:Wikimedia Commons).

 

 

In Sunday's Gospel, the story of sisters Martha and Mary who welcomed Jesus into their home, we heard the Lord saying,

Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.  There is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her.

This narrative of the two sisters highlights the value of spending time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday living to focus intently on simply being with God in prayer and contemplation.

If we look towards Jesus, we see that prior to any important decision or event he recollected himself in intense and prolonged prayer. Let us cultivate the contemplative dimension, even amid the whirlwind of more urgent and pressing duties. .... Herein lies the secret of the fruitfulness of a disciple of the Lord!  ~ Holy Father, Pope Francis

Sometimes it is good for one's soul to withdraw from the turbulence of everyday life and spend an extended period of time in prayer and reflection at a secluded and quiet location.   I have recently returned from a 6-day silent, directed retreat.  This is something I do regularly to keep myself grounded in my commitment to walk with Christ.

Continue reading at Ruth Ann's blog  From the Pulpit of My Life.