It was such a wonderful place to visit, so peaceful and quiet and because we had snow while we were there I think we enjoyed an added stillness nestled under the white blanked.
The Sisters were a joy to behold and I went to mass with them and joined in there regular prayers in the chapel at every opportunity.
I read a couple of good books while I was there and our conductor lead some very informative sessions on St Benedict and his rule.
I particularly found the information on Lectio Divina peaked my interest and I look forward to adding it to my own spiritual endevours.
I did however feel kind of the odd one out at this retreat being the only Catholic in the party, which was very strange as I had known most of the group for over ten years.
It would have been easy to "fit in" to miss Mass in order to make it on time to all the sessions. To go to the service lead by the conductor instead and then try to make it to Mass once we were home, but I knew it was wrong.
Jesus was waiting for me in the chapel, his real and living presence in the Blessed Sacrament and not for the first time I picked up my cross and followed Him.
As always He gave me more that I had given up.
Luke 14:25-35 (The Message)
Figure the Cost
One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, "Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one's own self!—can't be my disciple. Anyone who won't shoulder his own cross and follow behind me can't be my disciple."Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn't first sit down and figure the cost so you'll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you're going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: 'He started something he couldn't finish.'
"Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can't, won't he send an emissary and work out a truce?
"Simply put, if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can't be my disciple.
"Salt is excellent. But if the salt goes flat, it's useless, good for nothing.
"Are you listening to this? Really listening?"
"Or can you imagine a king going into battle against another king without first deciding whether it is possible with his ten thousand troops to face the twenty thousand troops of the other? And if he decides he can't, won't he send an emissary and work out a truce?
"Simply put, if you're not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can't be my disciple.
"Salt is excellent. But if the salt goes flat, it's useless, good for nothing.
"Are you listening to this? Really listening?"
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