Gospel of Mark, chapter 6:31

It has been said that marriages are not ruined by a blow out, but by a slow leak. The same is likely true of every Christian who is trying to live a life in accordance with the Gospel in today’s world.

It’s easy to get tired, or even worse, to get burned out like Moses who was told by Jethro: “You will surely wear out.” (Exodus 18). Although we might say: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13), we need to pull back from time to time, and allow ourselves to listen to the wisdom of Jesus who asks us to “Come away … and rest awhile.” It is like a football team that needs the coach to call time out when things get out of hand, in order to get a better understanding of the game.

The scriptures are replete with the accounts of spiritual men and women who, for a while at least, lost their zeal and their freshness. For example, Samson trusted too much in himself. King Saul waffled on obedience, and gave into self-interest. Solomon got soft and took up with the pagan Queen of Sheba who led him astray. St. Peter let his guard down and denied Christ three times. They all, for a while, became weary of doing well; they became stale like old bread that has lost its taste. Everybody needs to take time off to be rejuvenated; to be renewed in mind and body; to meet new people; to relax, and to reflect away from the cares and anxieties of life. After his baptism in the Jordan before His public ministry, the Lord spent time in solitude communing with the Father.

In imitation of Jesus, we should spend time in solitude or on retreat to benefit our spiritual lives among our families, friends, and coworkers. A retreat is a perfect way to spend time away from the ordinary activities that fill our days. It is a period of time that we are separated from our usual surroundings and duties in order to meditate, reflect, and pray.

There are different kinds of retreats. Some are offered by a priest or a preacher. Others are called directed or private retreats. A preached retreat consists of conferences or talks scheduled throughout the time of the retreat, and there is time for one-on-one counseling. A directed retreat consists of meetings with a spiritual director who suggests scriptural passages for the retreatant to reflect upon and pray about. A private retreat is made without the assistance of a leader or spiritual director. Anyone can make a private retreat at any time by simply slipping away to renew ones soul.

The Lord understands what we are up against in a world that is constantly tripping us up with messages contrary to the Gospel. That is why He asks us to come away and rest awhile in an atmosphere where we can be renewed by the good news.

Fr. Hugh Duffy

* * DO NOT MISS TOMORROW’S ON BURDENED * *