Week 2 - The Journey Day 5. Happy Memorial Day



 Week 2 - The Journey Day 5

"Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life within you."  ‭‭John‬ ‭6:53‬

Jesus is responding to the Jews, He once again is challenging their way of thinking.  He also challenges our way of thinking each time we go into His word and contemplate its meaning.  "The Jews quarreled among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us [his] flesh to eat?"" ‭‭John‬ ‭6:52‬.  Nicodemus asked a very similar question when it didn't go along with his way of thinking.  "Nicodemus said to him, "How can a person once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother's womb and be born again, can he?""  John‬ ‭3:4‬.  He came to understand what Jesus was saying after he had seen Him on the cross.   

This Bible verse is hard for some to comprehend for it goes against human thinking but we have examples in the Bible of believers who accepted His word and came to understand.  St Paul tells us in Corinthians that he understands its meaning in words and actions.  "Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ."  1 Corinthians 11:1

"For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way also the cup, after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me." For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the death of the Lord until he comes." 1 Corinthians‬ ‭11:23-26‬

At Mass, I am not receiving a wafer but the consecrated body blood soul and divinity of Christ.  It goes against logical thinking unless your faith has been firmly planted in the Word of God.  Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b

Many find this verse hard to believe, no different than in the days of Christ.  Will we investigate what Jesus meant by this or will we walk away from truth.   "Since Jesus knew that his disciples were murmuring about this, he said to them, "Does this shock you? What if you were to see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? It is the spirit that gives life, while the flesh is of no avail. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and life.".  John 6:61-63

What is God saying to me?  "And he said, "For this reason I have told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by my Father.""  ‭‭John‬ ‭6:65‬

Dear Father, I thank You for the gift of freedom in Your word and the understanding that You reveal to us.  We are blessed to have the desire to search You and know You beyond our human thinking.  I thank You for another day at Your feet to sit and listen, to dig into Your word and allow it to penetrate my soul.  I pray for all those who question what You are saying and do not take their own intellect with Your Holy Spirit to come to a deeper relationship.  Thank You Father for all those who have gone before us fighting for our freedom so that we may have the right of religious freedom.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Protector of the Holy Family, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/CYlSKd-mXHc

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 2 - The Journey Day 4



Week 2 - The Journey Day 4

"Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life."  ‭‭John‬ ‭6:47‬

What is our understanding of believe?  Is our faith built upon a firm foundation or can it be swayed by another?  Jesus was responding to the Jews that were not receiving the truth. "The Jews murmured about him because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven," and they said, "Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph? Do we not know his father and mother? Then how can he say, 'I have come down from heaven'?""

‭‭John‬ ‭6:41-42‬.  They do not have eyes of faith.  

To better understand believe, I turned to the Bible, what could I find for its biblical meaning.  "I will fix him as a peg in a firm place, a seat of honor for his ancestral house;" ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭22:23‬.  When setting up a tent, the stakes to secure it to the ground needed to be placed in a firm place, soft ground wouldn't do.  For when the winds blow, they are now, it would need to stay in place.  This understanding comes from the word of God, it isn't from these times.  

Now the Jews were being challenged by Jesus to take Him at His word, how can the son of Joesph come down from Heaven?  How can He be the bread of life.  Their belief was not placed upon a firm understanding, they doubted Gods word, for they did not see Him as God the Son.  We need to sit and listen to God the Father, He gave us His Son and gives us the Holy Spirit as our advocate.  His words speak truth when we remove all outside influences.  

Jesus speaks clearly: "I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate the manna in the desert, but they died; this is the bread that comes down from heaven so that one may eat it and not die."  John‬ ‭6:48-50‬  I will accept Jesus at His Word, He is God, He clearly tells us, I will eat the bread of life.  

"It is written in the prophets: 'They shall all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to my Father and learns from him comes to me." John‬ ‭6:45‬

What is God saying to me:  I Am the bread of life.  

Dear Father God, you have firmly planted the stake in firm ground, over the years You have taught me daily to better understand Your word.  You have given lessons when the wind blew, I would not be swayed from Your truth.  I pray for those being tossed about in this ocean of life by false prophets, that twist the truth to serve their own ill gained wisdom to justify sin.  Challenge us in our thinking, help us see the murmuring and help us think for ourselves with You as the Teacher.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Protector of the Holy Family, Pray for us.  

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/T5CVN-dpvbQ

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 2 - The Journey Day 3



Week 2 - The Journey Day 3

"So Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave the bread from heaven; my Father gives you the true bread from heaven."  ‭‭John‬ ‭6:32‬

Signs, aren't we all looking for signs and we miss The Sign.  John is the only Gospel that talks about signs.  They wanted a sign: "So they said to him, "What sign can you do, that we may see and believe in you? What can you do?"  ‭‭John‬ ‭6:30‬.  Jesus is the sign!  They had placed their faith in Moses a man and the Son of God is in front of them He is the sign.  What about us, do we place our trust in a man, do we go to Church because the preacher is amazing, gives really good messages and us not seeing The Sign.  

In my Catholic faith, the priest consecrates the bread and wine into the body, blood soul and divinity of Christ.  It isn't the priest that does this, it is God.  "For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world."" ‭‭John‬ ‭6:33‬ "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life."

‭‭John‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭ Jesus is the sign, He is the true bread from Heaven.  Mass could be in a foreign language and I understand none of the words yet Jesus is still there in flesh and blood, nothing else is needed.  He is the sign!

What is God saying to me: Nothing else is needed, My words will convict the heart to see the truth.  Our minds get cloudy with wanting to feed self, it is I God who speaks to you, see the truth in what I say.  

Dear Father God, you know our own frail human weaknesses and love us anyway.  You see us asking for signs trying to feed the flesh and our spirit misses the truth staring us in the face.  Allow our hearts and minds to awaken to the truth, do not allow us to get bogged down with frivolous information used to distract us from the Truth.  Thank You for the beautiful rain and the shield of protection as the storm blew, You are with us.  Bless this day and all it has to offer, May I give back as best as I can.  In Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Protector of the Holy Family, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/OySvhZmvkgY

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 2 - The Journey - Day 2



Week 2 - The Journey - Day 2

"Jesus answered them and said, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you are looking for me not because you saw signs but because you ate the loaves and were filled."  ‭‭John‬ ‭6:26‬

Why are you looking for Jesus?  In our Spiritual journeys, it goes through stages, in my opinion.  Early on it is more of a physical stage, what can Jesus do for me?  What can I get out of it.  In this stage we are focused upon self and we miss seeing the true nature of God.  Yet He is at work within us for we are not satisfied with our place. 

Our physical hunger and needs, Jesus wants to help with and, prayer does work but Jesus is more concerned with our Spiritual well being.  Does the situations that we find ourselves in, do they bring about panic or is there a trust in the One who guides your life.  Is your Spiritual battery charged enough to not be overly concerned about it.  Do you see the signs that He gives and you recognize Him in all of life?

We are here to prepare for our eternity, with God as our focus nothing will be missed, we will be satisfied and nothing can disrupt you for God is active in your daily life and you know it.  Be blessed today "Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him the Father, God, has set his seal.""  ‭‭John‬ ‭6:27‬

What is God saying to me?  Go in peace, you are ready.  

Dear Father, You know my prayer and what I see in everyday life that produces drive within.  We pray for all those seeking the physical things in this world that produces pain, I pray for their souls Father and I ask You to intervene, to jolt them loose from the frivolous things of this world and give them divine food that feeds the soul.   Bless this day Father, help us walk in Your presence, Amen.  

Mary, Our Lady of Victory, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Protector of the Holy Family, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/dOxCWJLLfIo

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 25 - The Journey Day 7



"Amen, amen, I say to you, the hour is coming and is now here when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live." ‭‭John‬ ‭5:25‬

Jesus boldly claims who He is, you are there, who do you say He is?  What do you hear?  Listening takes effort and listening to God brings life.  "You were dead in your transgressions and sins in which you once lived following the age of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the disobedient. All of us once lived among them in the desires of our flesh, following the wishes of the flesh and the impulses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like the rest. But God, who is rich in mercy, because of the great love he had for us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, brought us to life with Christ (by grace you have been saved),"
‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭2:1-5‬

Hearing God changes everything, the choices you make, the actions are different, your thoughts are different, your desires are different, you are no longer dead to God's Word.  You are alive, You are a new creation.  
What is God saying to me: Live your life, I gave it to you.

Dear Father, knowing what I know, I just want others to know.  I see Jesus's struggle to get their attention but sometimes it takes 38 years before someone is ready to listen, before they come to the reality that the god of their life isn't You and now they are ready.  You hold nothing back from us, it is our own will and hard of hearing that causes the pain.  May the hour be now for those who are ready to hear.  I ask this in Jesus Christ, my Lord and Redeemer, Amen.  

Mary, Mother of Love, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Protector of the Holy Family, Pray for us.  
Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/HYAE3z-42pg

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 25 - The Journey Day 6



Week 25 - The Journey Day 6

"Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life and will not come to condemnation, but has passed from death to life."  John‬ ‭5:24‬

Jesus speaks plainly as He speaks to those trying to persecute Him.  He is the Son of God, He is the judge who will judge and witness to truth.  You can imagine His audience, Jesus cured the crippled man, they like Nicodemus must see that God is with Him.  If they don't see this neither do they believe in the One who sent Him.  

You have to remember they were waiting for the Messiah, Jesus clearly is performing miracles.  Those out to condemn Him aren't living for God, they are living for self.  Our belief speaks of our relationship with God, do we know who He is, have we experienced Him.  The crippled man believes in God, he waits patiently to be healed and He accepted Jesus at His word.  The gift of salvation is just that, hearing what Jesus tells us and believing.  

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b.   That is eternal life, that is passing from death in the world to life eternal.  That is having an ear to hear God and respond to Him.  Jesus was condemned by the world but He didn't live for the world, He lived for the One who sent Him, God.  

What is God saying to me: Listen to what I say and apply it to your life, the world condemns, I give life.  

Dear Father, in our conversations you always give a gem, I don't always know the meaning but unexpectedly You give insight.  In this daily conversation you are building context and developing the picture of Jesus as Son of Man and Son of God.  I thank You for the gift of life that isn't just words but a living reality.   Watch over us this day, keep us out of harms ways.  Help us see and hear You at work in our lives.   I ask this in Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Faithful, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/AmFM4jZasvs

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 25 - The Journey Day 5



Week 25 - The Journey Day 5

"Jesus answered and said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, a son cannot do anything on his own, but only what he sees his father doing; for what he does, his son will do also." John‬ ‭5:19‬

Jesus identities Himself as the Messiah, He is doing the same work as His Father.  At the sheep's gate, the water would get stirred up and those that entered would get healed.  How many times had this man come to be healed in 38 years and others more interested in themselves passed him by.  They couldn't pick him up on the sabbath as this was considered work.  

The Father of truth speaks and the father of lies blinds.  The man was healed just the same as those who enter the pool by God.   The Jews could not see what Jesus had done, they just seen one more reason to kill Him.  In what ways are we blind to the Truth?  Would things be different if we slowed down and not let our emotions take charge and listen to God.  The Jews allowed their emotions get the better of them and missed seeing God at work, missed seeing God in their midst.  In our own days, God is there don't become blind to Him because of a situation.  God comes to heal, the devil comes to lie, cheat and condemn.  

What is God saying to me: 

Dear Father, I have let my emotions get the better of me, allowing my words to hurt without slowing down to think before I speak.  May You always be present in my actions and my words.  Prayers for those in need of healing Father, May they recognize when You are speaking to them to rise and walk.  Use me this day Lord, where You need me, may my words speak of You.  Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Prudent, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/-TwDPfWdolc

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 25 - The Journey Day 4 - Pentecost Sunday.



Week 25 - The Journey Day 4 - Pentecost Sunday. 

"Amen, amen, I say to you, we speak of what we know and we testify to what we have seen, but you people do not accept our testimony."  ‭‭John‬ ‭3:11‬

The seeker.  I love the life of Nicodemus for he was a faithful Jew, a teacher of the law yet he was lost.  When Jesus enters the picture Nicodemus recognizes the presence of God in Him.  "He came to Jesus at night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him."" ‭‭John‬ ‭3:2‬.  Jesus acknowledges His Covenant relationship with the Trinity when he responds with "we", He acknowledges He is part of the Trinity and affirms what Nicodemus perceives.  

Then Jesus challenges Nicodemus's thinking when He says "you people", He was speaking of all that God had been doing up to this point and them still stuck in earthly things.  "If I tell you about earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?" ‭‭John‬ ‭3:12‬.  I could say the same thing about these times, we want evidence to back up the teaching and if we don't see it, then it must not be true.  Only someone who walks with God knows of these heavenly things.  

My take away from this encounter is to be a seeker of the truth, to live in the presence of God and live in faith.  The message of the world is of earthly things, how can someone experience new birth unless he has.  Today is Pentecost Sunday, be a seeker and ask, God can not deny you the truth.  

One last comment on this encounter Jesus gives Nicodemus the keys to Heaven when He tells him.  "But whoever lives the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be clearly seen as done in God."  ‭‭John‬ ‭3:21‬.  Live your faith, Nicodemus lived his when he put it all on the line to bury Jesus, he was no longer a seeker but an ardent disciple.  He had experienced the birth of new life through Jesus Christ.   

Come Holy Spirit and renew the face of the earth.  

What is God saying to me? 

Dear Father, I have experienced new life in Christ, I experience it when I go to mass and receive You into my soul.  These are not earthly things but heavenly things, I thank You for this gift of life and the newness of the Holy Mass.  Thank You Jesus for the life of Nicodemus and of its unfolding over several visits, nothing You do is without purpose.  Prayers for the Church to believe and to seek out the truth, to allow Christ to challenge our way of thinking to bring us to a deeper understanding.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Spouse of the Holy Ghost, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, StepFather of Jesus, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/V_AKDFsvrPg

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 25 - The journey begins, Day 3



Week 25 - The journey begins, Day 3

"Jesus answered: Amen, amen I say to thee, unless a man be born again of water and the Holy Ghost, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."  St John‬ ‭3:5‬

Nicodemus was a religious man, doing all the right things, this must of been perplexing to him.  "Nicodemus said to him, "How can a person once grown old be born again? Surely he cannot reenter his mother's womb and be born again, can he?""  ‭‭John‬ ‭3:4‬.  Jesus is speaking of spiritual things, not physical.  Notice the Amen, amen, it is was to get Nicodemus's attention and ours.  This new birth was just beginning for Nicodemus but like a child in a mother's womb, it would take time to develop.  

We can sit and try to figure it out but being under the tutelage of the Holy Ghost and living out our faith is what is asked of us.  Nicodemus still did not understand and had to go away and ponder what Jesus was talking about.  When you have experienced Jesus, when His teachings have been realized then it all comes together, it is like a spring of living water welling up within you. "but whoever drinks the water I shall give will never thirst; the water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.""  ‭‭John‬ ‭4:14‬

Living our faith, doing the best that you can, knowing it isn't your actions that gains the kingdom of God, but they do reveal the kingdom you are moving towards.  

This is what Christ asks of us.  Be who God made you to be, His creation endowed with the gift of eternal life.  

What is God saying to me?

Dear Father, it was a good lesson this morning, sitting and pondering the meaning of this scripture.  Just like Nicodemus's response of being born again with Jesus, we can not be baptized again.  There is purpose in all that You are doing, I will go about my day pondering what You have given.  Well up these living waters within and make us a pleasing offering to you.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Spouse of the Holy Ghost, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Protector of the Holy Family, Pray for us.  

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/umLv5lX-63I

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 25 - The Journey begins Day 2



Week 25 - The Journey begins Day 2

"Jesus answered and said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, no one can see the kingdom of God without being born from above.""  ‭‭John‬ ‭3:3‬

The conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus is an interesting one and one that plays out over time with dramatic outcomes.  Have you ever considered your own spiritual blindness, you don't know you don't know.  This is where Nicodemus found himself, he was a teacher of the law and must of followed it to the letter.  Yet he witnessed the signs of God through Jesus. he knew Jesus was different.  "He came to Jesus at night and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God, for no one can do these signs that you are doing unless God is with him."" ‭‭John‬ ‭3:2‬

Jesus had Nicodemus's attention, for God was with Him and there was something about Jesus that made Him stand out.  Nicodemus had to find out what Jesus knew that he didn't.  There is no better place to be than in the presence of Jesus(God) getting spiritual direction.  He speaks truth to us and allows us to ponder what is being said.  Jesus will remove the spiritual blindness that is within us and we will see the kingdom of God.  This desire to know what you don't know is from above, it is the calling of the heart to know God deeper and it yearns to be filled.  

Nicodemus would not be satisfied until he had learned what Jesus had.  Nicodemus was being called and he was answering the call.  His spiritual blindness was being removed.  

What is God saying to me?  This desire that is within you will be satisfied for I can not be denied once we have begun the journey.  I am the Giver of finest wheat.  

Dear Father, I sit in the darkness and witness the conversation, I see the inner thinking of both Nicodemus and Jesus.  Jesus doing Your will and responding to those that are seeking You out.  His day is filled with happen chance events yet as Son of Man, He knows it is from You.  Watch over us this day Father, remove the spiritual blindness that exists within us and continue to give us spiritual direction that leads to Your Kingdom in Heaven.  Prayers of thanksgiving for healing Lord, You are the Gift of Finest Wheat, our souls are at rest when they rest with Thee.  To God be the glory, Amen.  

Mary, Mother of Love, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Protector of the Holy Family, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/ex-el7l8VWg

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

Week 25 - The journey begins - Day 1



"And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.""  ‭‭John‬ ‭1:51‬

Do you ever notice how we like structure, we like a sense of direction, to know which way we are going.  This morning, I was left to my own devices, not really but I had a choice.  Do I follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I did.  Jesus is speaking to Nathaniel, a true Israelite, in the above Bible verse.  "Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him."" John‬ ‭1:47‬  Why did Jesus call him a true Israelite?  He was a student of God, reading His word under the fig tree, he came to see if this Jesus was the Messiah that the Prophets spoke about in the Torah.  And Jesus affirmed to Nathaniel that He was, in this brief encounter.  Nathaniel had been well prepared for this encounter and now he was ready.   

God was going to show Nathaniel many things in his lifetime.  He would become one of the Apostles, most likely Bartholomew.   "And he said to him, "Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.""  ‭‭John‬ ‭1:51‬

When we become students of God and study His word, He will also show us many things that will strengthen our discipleship.  It is in these moments of quiet reflection when we listen to God do we recognize Him speaking and then that moment of truth.  Will I accept what the Son of God is saying to me?  I did!   "Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.""  ‭‭John‬ ‭1:49‬

What is God saying to me?  My will being done.  

Dear Father, as I awakened this morning, I was not sure where to begin but after our prayer, You clearly answered my request.  My prayer is for others to develop this kind of relationship with You, to see You answer prayer and also for them to see how no matter the situation, all will be well, even in the chaos of the day when life just comes at you.  Nathaniel was at this place when You took him by the hand and brought him deeper.  Thank You for the structure over the next several weeks and the Bible verses we will be journeying with.  To God be the glory, Amen.

Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Protector of the Holy Family, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey.  

https://youtu.be/aGUZdDuZADg

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY FOUR: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 7



WEEK TWENTY FOUR: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 7



MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD: Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

A WRAP-UP OF YOUR EXPERIENCE OF THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES: In the course of twenty four weeks you have come into close contact with Jesus as your Savior and Lord. Your acceptance of Jesus has deepened your earlier commitment to Him. You have now decided to become His disciple, living in covenant union with Him, offering yourself to Him generously and joyfully, in return for His self-offering to you. You are now ready to live your daily life in covenant with your Savior and Lord who dwells in your heart along with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

 

You can answer the following questions as a Wrap-Up to your experience of the Spiritual Exercises, and in preparation for your life in the marketplace.

Did you do the Acts of Faith, Hope, Charity, and Daily Offering on a daily basis?

Yes, it is a practice that I have added to my morning prayer time along with the Anima Christi.

How did it help your discipleship, and are you committed to continuing this practice?

I so look forward to being in the presence of God each day and being loved by Him.  It has been committed to memory as well as ingrained into my thoughts.  It has made me realize the depth of my Catholic Faith, it spans a couple of thousand years.  Truth can not be denied, it can only be realized, this takes time.  

Did you journal regularly? How has it helped you?  Yes, on a daily bases.  It gets me to ponder life and circumstances, allows me to jot down what I am comprehending and gives God a voice in my life.  With the Holy Spirit each day, our thoughts are His when we have developed this practice.  

What graces and directions has the Lord given you in these six months?

The grace of a stronger covenant relationship, more of my commitment and understanding of where we are going.  He has encouraged me in ways to share the gifts that He gives.  There is also a deepening of peace in my life, this is still developing and deepens as events don't impact my spirit for I know God is in charge.  The grace of love for Him and His Holy Family deepens, I would say my relationship with Mary is continuing to grow along with Joesph.  God is helping with this growth and I am realizing that I just have to be and not always do.  

What patterns of sinfulness have you observed through your nightly Examination of Conscience?  My night time is still a struggle, this pattern would have to be justification of not taking time to sit and do an examination.  I am more conscious of my actions and I do strive to not sin so the words that pop into my head do not come out.  Anger for things not going how I think they should has gone away(mostly).  I do catch myself slipping up from time to time.  

Has the Particular Examination of Conscience become a regular practice?

Not in a formal way as of yet but it is definitely more conscious as I wrap up my day. 

Have you become familiar with the Rules for the Discernment of Spirits?

I have to a degree, I find myself recognizing that not all the movements are from God.  The rules have helped with that and it will be helpful to come back to them in the future. 

Are you committed to practicing the Rules for Eating, Almsgiving, and Thinking with the Church?

Yes I am, yet I realize this is still a part of the journey that I must continue to take.  Some of these practices come easy while others are still a struggle.  

What is Jesus your Lord and Savior asking of you now in your discipleship?

Jesus is asking me to live out my faith in my daily life, for my life to be my discipleship wherever that is to take me.  To also allow others to move at their pace and not try to play God, that is for Him, I am to rest in my faith.  

Dear Father, thank You for this deepening of my walk with You, for the understanding of how great You are and the depth of Your love.  Thank You for watching over us Father and all that You are doing, especially the rain, nothing grows without Your love.  Bless this day Lord and all it has to offer, in Jesus, name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Protector of the Holy Family, Pray for us. 

https://youtu.be/C6kQVeoDjAM

End with Prayer to the Holy Trinity

Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, I thank you for your gracious companionship. I praise you for being my Creator, Savior, and Lord. May I take your blessings to my day, and may your presence envelop and permeate all my thoughts and actions, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY FOUR: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 6



WEEK TWENTY FOUR: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 6

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

Prayer on Luke 1: 47-55: The Canticle of Mary: "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him..." (Luke 1: 47-55). [Please read Luke 1: 46-55 for a better appreciation of the passage].

Read the Reflection; then pray using Luke 1: 47-55: you can repeat the Canticle several times, tasting and relishing its profound depths; ask for an intimate knowledge of the many blessings received, that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty (#233).

1. My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God my savior: Mary's response to Elizabeth's greeting and welcome is captured eloquently in her canticle, known as the Magnificat. Her response gives us an intimate glimpse into the inner recesses of her soul. Mary is overwhelmed with God's amazing love for humans, and the extent to which He will go in His love for us. Consequently, Mary is filled with gratitude as she rejoices in God her savior. Her spirit is immersed in the love and sacrifice that God is making on our behalf through His Son, Jesus, who is now her son and Savior!

2. For he has looked upon his handmaid's lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed: In Luke 1:48, Mary is addressed as favored one! Kecharitomene is the Greek word, and it is used as a perfect passive participle. Literally, it would be translated as having been or have already been graced! In other words, from the very beginning of Mary's creation in her mother's womb, she was with grace, or without sin! She has two responses to this amazing truth made possible in her by the Holy Spirit: she is filled with humility as she is in awe at God's choice of her to be the mother of His Son! She is indeed blessed among women and for all ages, as we pray in the Hail Mary.

3. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him: Mary extols God's mercy which is offering us the gift of His own divine life out of pure graciousness on His part! And Jesus is God's mercy incarnate that Mary carries in her womb.

The Gift of life, I pondered that Gift of life in a different way this morning.  I seen the youthful Mary, full of grace proclaiming the goodness of God.  Then I witnessed Mary, enduring the pain of her Son being crucified and still having these words in her heart.  Why my minds goes there I do not know, I do know that we are equally yoked and there is purpose.  Mary even in the most bleakest moment of her life was still filled with the Gift of life.  She endures this pain knowing how great God is and there is purpose in it.  The trials we face in life are there for a purpose.  Like Mary, being in covenant union  with God, proclaim the goodness of God as you walk thru life.  Mary with life experiences still lived her faith, still proclaimed the goodness of God.  Her faith had a maturity that has been shored up with life experiences and she lives the Gift of life.  

What is God saying to you? Trust in My will, what you do not see is tomorrow.  This is not your home, you belong with Me in Heaven with My Holy Family as My child.  

Dear Father, I thank You for the Gift of life, for an intellect that is active and doesn't get bogged down with the fog of this world.  Thank You for these pictures this morning and for the purpose that is yet to be revealed.  I know You are working all things out.  Prayers for a friend facing hardships, You know what is needed for newness of life.  In Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Our Lady of Victory, Pray for us.  

St Joesph, Protector of the Holy Family, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/b0yzZZ4e87c

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY FOUR: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 5



WEEK TWENTY FOUR: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 5

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

REPETITION: MY RULE OF LIFE IN GOD'S EMBRACE: (Ponder each item prayerfully; ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen your resolve)

In the presence of the most Holy Trinity, and surrounded by the whole heavenly assembly of Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, the archangels and angels, the saints and holy witnesses of Jesus Christ, I, ____________________________, do solemnly declare that it is my intent, with the Holy Spirit's gracious and bountiful help, to commit myself to spending an hour daily in strengthening and deepening my call to discipleship through the following means offered to me by the Holy Spirit in the 3-year Program of God's Embrace:

1. SPIRITUAL READING:
The Bible: I will choose to read either three chapters of the Old Testament and three chapters of the New Testament on a daily basis, beginning with the book of Genesis and the Gospel of Matthew, or two chapters of the Old Testament and one chapter of the New Testament on a daily basis. Please specify your option:
______________________________.

The Catholic Catechism: I will read three pages a day or fifteen pages over the weekend.
The Imitation of Christ: I will read one chapter a day.
The Textbooks of the Program: I will read the Sessions that have been allotted for the month, and two or three pages from Part Two of the Manual.

2. DEVOTIONAL PRACTICES:
Please indicate which practices you will do on a daily/weekly/monthly basis: Weekly Mass:
Rosary:
Chaplet of Divine Mercy:
Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament: Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Daily Mass Readings:
Liturgy of the Hours:

3. DAILY FACE TO FACE SESSION WITH JESUS: 15-20 MINUTES Daily Examination of Conscience: 10 minutes

4. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES DURING THE DAY: EXPERIMENTS WITH TRUTH
The Holy Spirit will reveal your spiritual practices to you through your daily discernment of spirits. The Holy Spirit will let you know God's will through your spiritual reading, devotional practices, daily Morning Face to Face with God, Examination of Conscience, and practice of the Presence of God. The Person of Jesus will be revealed to you as you practice forgiveness, humility, trust, surrender, loving without counting the cost, and patience in difficult situations.

Seems like a lot doesn't it but as I sat this morning, I pondered my time spent on other things.  Whether we know it or not, the battle rages on, who has control of your mind has power over you.  One wants to destroy you, and God wants to build you up.
"The serpent said to the woman, "You surely will not die! For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.""  ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3:4-5‬  The device in your hand most likely has an image of a bitten Apple.  "and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him—" Colossians‬ ‭3:10‬

What is God saying to you?  I paint the picture for you to see.  You witness the deception of the devil and most blindly follow not knowing it leads to destruction.  The simple joys of life bring the most peace, My birds chirping at the morning light, the cool of the morning as it enters the day.  Be at peace, I go with you. Be attentive to My call.  

Dear Father, I Thank You for the image that You are clearly giving.  I pray that Your message hits home and we recognize the waster of time that bears no good fruit.  I Pray for these troubled times we are living in, there is so much uncertainty yet in the midst of it all, You beckon allowing us to see all is well if we choose to follow You.  Renew our minds Father with the food that will bear good fruit in a world starving for salvation.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Protector of the Holy Family, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/Vm5y7P1aC08

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY FOUR: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 4



 WEEK TWENTY FOUR: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 4

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD: Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

On Days Four and Five you will consider drawing up a Rule of Life in God's Embrace:
MY RULE OF LIFE IN GOD'S EMBRACE

In the presence of the most Holy Trinity, and surrounded by the whole heavenly assembly of Mary, Mother of God and our Mother, the archangels and angels, the saints and holy witnesses of Jesus Christ, I, ____________________________, do solemnly declare that it is my intent, with the Holy Spirit's gracious and bountiful help, to commit myself to spending an hour daily in strengthening and deepening my call to discipleship through the following means offered to me by the Holy Spirit in the 3-year Program of God's Embrace:

1. SPIRITUAL READING:
The Bible: I will choose to read either three chapters of the Old Testament and three chapters of the New Testament on a daily basis, beginning with the book of Genesis and the Gospel of Matthew, or two chapters of the Old Testament and one chapter of the New Testament on a daily basis. Please specify your option:
______________________________.

The Catholic Catechism: I will read three pages a day or fifteen pages over the weekend. The Imitation of Christ: I will read one chapter a day.

The Textbooks of the Program: I will read the Sessions that have been allotted for the month.

2. DEVOTIONAL PRACTICES:
Please indicate which practices you will do on a daily/weekly/monthly basis: Weekly Mass:
Rosary:
Chaplet of Divine Mercy:
Adoration before the Blessed Sacrament: Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Daily Mass Readings:
Liturgy of the Hours:

3. DAILY FACE TO FACE SESSION WITH JESUS: 15-20 MINUTES Daily Examination of Conscience: 10 minutes

4. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES DURING THE DAY: EXPERIMENTS WITH TRUTH
The Holy Spirit will reveal your spiritual practices to you through your daily discernment of spirits. The Holy Spirit will let you know God's will through your spiritual reading, devotional practices, daily Morning Face to Face with God, Examination of Conscience, and practice of the Presence of God. The Person of Jesus will be revealed to you as you practice forgiveness, humility, trust, surrender, loving without counting the cost, and patience in difficult situations.

Signature & Date: _________________________________________________________________

As I sit and ponder this commitment, some are already being done, some I know I need to do and some seems like a stretch.  Being faithful to God takes effort, it will require our commitment.  I also realize that I am not alone in this commitment for He that is in me is greater, we are yoked together and He has authority in my life.  I lean on His strength to be the driving force.  To follow God is a way of life, it just doesn't happen to you.  You will be a willing participant or you will be lost being tossed about with the wind.  Listen to His Holy Spirit and be willing, He knows "you" better than you do.  

What is God saying to you?  You already know what needs to be added, over time we will fortify this commitment, begin the journey and watch what happens.  

Dear Father, You know how to speak to my spirit, how to soften the hardness of my heart.  I see a world being bombarded with trials and frivolous things that only brings destruction.  You on the other hand provide insights into what brings us peace and contentment.  Help us resolve our commitment to a Godly life in covenant relationship with You.  Be our guiding force in all that we do and shine light into the areas of our lives that need adjusted.  Thank You Father for the journey, looking forward to tomorrow.  I offer this prayer in Your Presence, Amen.  

Mary, Our Lady of Victory, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Protector of the Holy Family, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/I1lyhY6hRtI



Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY FOUR: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 3



WEEK TWENTY FOUR: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 3



MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

A CONCLUDING IMAGE: Read the Reflection; ask for an intimate knowledge of the many blessings received, that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty (#233).

(After pondering each bullet point, express your sentiments in a short prayer)
• Matthew 11: 28-30 offers us an apt image to express St. Ignatius' understanding of perfect freedom in God's service that he offers in the Spiritual Exercises: "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light."

Dear Father, life is so much easier with You, for you are at the helm.  Thank You for the opportunity to pick up the yoke, the teachings have been an adventure. 

• This passage has comforted and strengthened many a disciple shouldering unbearable burdens. We are invited to approach Jesus with our burdens, presumably to be relieved of them. He asserts that He will refresh us by substituting his yoke and burden for ours. He concludes with the notion that our souls will find rest in bearing his burden that is light, and shouldering his yoke that is sweet.

Thank You Father for removing the burden from my shoulders and giving me Your yoke with You leading the way.  Life is so much more rewarding today and whatever comes is within our ability to handle it.  

• Jesus is referring to a two-oxen yoke. He presumably is the stronger and bigger ox, so to speak, and we are invited to be the other. Our burdens in life have become unbearable because we chose to haul them by ourselves. We quickly got exhausted and lost.

Covenant relationship is a tremendous gift Father, especially when we are yoked together, moving in the same direction.  

• However, when we pull our burdens together with Jesus, they essentially become His. They are now lighter because Jesus is pulling with us. In having Him as our constant servant-companion, we can haul any load and bear any burden. This is clearly St. Ignatius' message in The Spiritual Exercises. The formula for perfect freedom in God's service lies in being in covenant relationship with Jesus who has become our Teacher, Savior, Lord, and God!

Help me live in Covenant relationship with You Lord, being equally yoked, neither pulling ahead or falling behind.  You are the keeper of my soul.  

What is God saying to you?  Live in the moment, not everything will fall into place as you see it but it will as I see it.  Nothing happens without my knowledge and when we are teamed together, you are prepared.  

Prayer time does not always happen at peaceful times, in moments of quiet contemplation.   But with a well formed conscience and prayer life, being equally yoked and doing the will of the Father, your life becomes a prayer.  Keep this in mind when your plans get disrupted and you just go with it.  Live in peace with God.  

Dear Father, I thank You for these past two days, things did not all go as planned in advance but they did allow me to see how prayer isn't just as I thought it should be.  Thank You for working all things out, for giving me an equally yoked partner who makes the days easier.  Prayers of thanksgiving for all that You are doing, make us aware of Your Omnipotent Presence in all of life's situations.  And when given the opportunity may we speak of You in everyday events.  In Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Mirror of Justice, Pray for us.  

St Joesph, Protector of the Holy Family, Pray for us.  

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/ZzNurDA9fYs

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY FOUR: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 2



 WEEK TWENTY FOUR: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 2



MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

THE SPIRITUAL UNDERPINNINGS OF ABANDONMENT TO GOD Read the Reflection; ask for an intimate knowledge of the many blessings received, that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty (#233). (After pondering each bullet point, express your sentiments in a short prayer)

• Becoming Holy, Blameless, and Loving through Christ: At this juncture, God has become the center of the disciple's life and being, and they have become God's satellite. The gravitational pull toward God is constant and reliable so that there is less likelihood
that the disciple will spin off into another orbit. The satellite derives its purpose and life from spinning around the Son.

• They are living in covenant union with the Blessed Trinity: Each Person takes on a
special significance and there is greater appreciation of God's love and life.

• Their sole preoccupation is now to be in the service of God and others, living their lives as a holy offering of reverent adoration and loving service.

• It is now a joy and a way of life for the disciple to conform themselves in all things to Jesus. The cross has become a willing step that the disciple takes because it gives them an opportunity to engage in a humble washing of others' feet, even of enemies.

• Their lives are permeated with constant gratitude and increasing humility: In times of humiliation, they bless their critics and detractors and trust that God will bring good out of every circumstance.

• This transformation leaves no room in the disciple's heart for hostility and enmity even
though others might consider them to be an enemy. The disciple understands how the apostles could rejoice in their sufferings as recorded in Acts 5:40-41, because they too are beginning to have similar experiences.

What is God saying to you?

Dear Father, I sense Your presence this morning but at a distance, not really understanding but also trusting in You and Your way.  You know my strengths, weaknesses and attachments, You also know how to teach me.  I am Your faithful student seeking You and ensuring You are at the center of my world.  Prayers for those struggling with their relationship with You Lord, it is in this struggle that we grow closer for this is what the heart and soul seek for happiness.  You are the Great Teacher and You send us Your Advocate so we may listen to Your will.  Thank You for this day and all it has to offer.  Amen. 

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us.  

St Joesph, Protector of the Holy Family, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/Qo73k3yGX5Y

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY FOUR: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 1



WEEK TWENTY FOUR: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 1

MORNING PRAYER: Act of Faith; Act of Hope; Act of Charity; Daily Offering

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

ABANDONMENT TO GOD BRINGS ABOUT PERFECT FREEDOM Read the Reflection; ask for an intimate knowledge of the many blessings received, that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty (#233). (After pondering each bullet point, express your sentiments in a short prayer)

• The true nature of love prompts the disciple to give God everything, especially liberty, memory, understanding and his/her entire will, all that they have and possess.

• In giving God our liberty, we are saying that we will make the concerted effort to seek and find His will in our daily circumstances rather than prefer our own choices which can and do lead us astray.

• In giving God our memory, we are saying that we will not live in the past. We will let
bygones be bygones. We will make every effort to forgive and live in the present moment. Most of all, we will live in the present moment because our God is our Good Shepherd. Our God is our Rock on which we can build our union. Hence, we will trust!

• In giving God our understanding, we are saying that we will go by God's understanding provided to us by the Holy Spirit, and always bring our understanding under close scrutiny to make sure that we are aligned with God's understanding.

• In giving God our entire will, we are saying that God's will is perfect and our will is burdened by inordinate attachments. The only way to free our wills of sin is to replace them with God's will. This replacement occurs at the hands of the Holy Spirit!

• Such a prayer then, is perfect abandonment. Such abandonment is made freely and wholeheartedly after the disciple has experienced God's largesse overwhelmingly.

• No other vision or agenda can hold up against this world-view of discipleship. The disciple's mind and heart have been washed clean of any resistance. When resistance
arises in the future it will be addressed in the same way as during the retreat: through
incessant petitioning and childlike trust in God's ability to bring about transformation.

• The disciple now makes sense of Christ's values and embraces them wholeheartedly. In such a joyous and wholehearted commitment lies perfect freedom.

JESUS, I TRUST IN YOU! (my prayer after each point)

Contemplating the heart of God, knowing how much you are loved, experiencing His largesse (generosity) first hand and then applying what He is teaching to your life is a joy.  Letting go of your own attachments and trusting Jesus with all, what ever circumstances or life events, pains or joys once you get to this place, it is all for the glory of God.  We can say all the right things but it isn't until we put it into action do we truly understand.  The Canaanite  women (Matthew 15:21-28) who came to be fed by Jesus and whom Jesus initially challenged her faith, was not moved by His response.  She had come to the place in her life where God meant everything to her and even in being denied, this was not going to stop her.  Jesus looks at our actions, not our words.  If it were only words that moved Him then He would of easily not tested her faith.  Understanding how God thinks and trusting His will is all part of the journey.  Not that we will fully comprehend the mind of God but we can see His actions in play as we read scripture.  Jesus, I trust in You.  

What is God saying to you?  You have much to learn but you are willing.  Your faith will not be deterred, witness to My faith in you. 

Dear Father, I place all my trust in You, I thank You for keeping me out of the fray and if I find myself there, may I know that there is purpose in all that I experience.  I pray for my friends on the journey, listening to You and coming to a deeper understanding.  I pray for a friend who is in the fray, not knowing what or why but trusting You.  Heal his wife's back Lord, continue to heal his pains and draw him into a deeper relationship with You.  Thank You for all that this day has to offer, may I be a pleasing offering to You.  Amen.  

Mary, Queen of the Holy Rosary, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Model of Workers, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/xDZZ0-F5EKk

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY THREE: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 7



 WEEK TWENTY THREE: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 7



MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

APPLICATION OF THE SENSES ON DAY SIX: #230-237  Apply your senses to those points in the repetitions where you experienced consolation or desolation, or greater spiritual appreciation. Ask for an intimate knowledge of the many blessings received, that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty (#233).

#121 tells us that this method of prayer "will consist in applying the five senses to the matter" at hand.

#122 asks you to see in imagination the persons, contemplating in detail their circumstances and then drawing some fruit from what has been seen.

#123 asks you to hear what they are saying or might say, and by reflecting on oneself to draw some profit.

#124 asks you to smell the infinite fragrance, and taste the infinite sweetness of the divinity present in the mystery being contemplated.

#125 asks you to apply the sense of touch, for example, by embracing and kissing the place where the persons stand or are seated.

#126 asks you to end with a colloquy.

The Divine Gaze, God sitting and just gazing upon you and you with full knowledge of this going on.  Trusting in the direction of the Holy Spirit and trying to remain in His presence.  He never leaves and I must concentrate to stay.  The knowledge in knowing how much God loves you is heart warming, an experience that has to experienced to understand.  "In this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins."  ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4:10‬

What is God saying to you?  Just experience My love, no words need to be spoken.  

Dear Father, words aren't mere words until they are put into action.  I pray this time together leads to pleasing actions in Your will.  Prayers for friends being challenged with change, You know best God and it is all part of Your plan.  Prayers for another with a difficult mission continue to gaze upon Him as You work through His actions.  Thank You Father for our focused time together, may all my time be focused on Your will today.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Queen of Peace, Pray for us.
St Joesph, Most Faithful, Pray for us.
Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/Mei1MYF_fm8

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY THREE: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 6



WEEK TWENTY THREE: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 6

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

REPETITION OF DAYS ONE THROUGH FIVE, #230-237: Ask for an intimate knowledge of the many blessings received, that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty (#233).

Today, you are doing a repetition of Days One through Five of this week. In a repetition St. Ignatius says that "we should pay attention to and dwell upon those points in which we have experienced greater consolation or desolation or greater spiritual appreciation." (# 62) If you wish, you can do a triple colloquy: refer to #63 of the Third Exercise of the First Week.

In a covenant relationship there is a mutual giving and receiving.  God always upholds His side, we neglect to uphold our side when the world is our playground.  When this world view changes into a gift given out of love, the relationship is deepening and you realize that like a parent that watches over their children, God gives the best gifts.  Waiting for the child to grow up and develop self realization to make good choices.  Sitting and reflecting upon the magnanimous generosity of God in your life brings about this understanding. 

What is God saying to you? Enjoy your day, it has been prepared for you.  

Dear Father God, I am blessed to be able to sit in this place and ponder the magnitude of Your presence in my daily life throughout time.  I see You at work in my past with total trust as I went about blindly not knowing how intertwined You are in my life.  Today I realize how integral You are in all that I do, I am blessed beyond measure to call You, Father God.  Thank You for journeying with me throughout life and the continual process of this life until we are reunited together.  I trust in You and I pray others trust in Your Divine will to be reunited.   Bless this day and all it has to offer.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Mother of God, Pray For us. 

St Joesph, Most Faithful, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/MUArWk2diVM

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY THREE: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 5



 WEEK TWENTY THREE: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 5

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

CONTEMPLATION TO ATTAIN THE LOVE OF GOD, #237 Read #237; then the Reflection; ask for an intimate knowledge of the many blessings received, that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty (#233). (After pondering each bullet point, express your sentiments in a short prayer)

• #237. FOURTH POINT. This is to consider all blessings and gifts as descending from above. Thus, my limited power comes from the supreme and infinite power above, and so, too, justice, goodness, mercy, etc., descend from above as the rays of light descend from the sun, and as the waters flow from their fountains, etc. Then I will reflect on myself, as has been said: While St. Ignatius makes the same point over and over, in this particular number he is stating categorically that God is the source of every blessing that we receive in life. In creating us in His divine image and likeness, God manifested His love for us in wanting to share all that He is and has, with us. Once again in gratitude we will offer ourselves.

Dear Father God, You are all good, giving us the best gifts and insuring we come to understand the depths of love You have for us.  I thank You for our Covenant relationship and for the hour You provide so I can sit and listen.  

• #234. "I will make this offering of myself: Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my

memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and possess. Thou hast given all to me. To Thee, O Lord, I return it. All is Thine, dispose of it wholly according to Thy will. Give me Thy love and Thy grace, for this is sufficient for me." (Refer to Day Two for a more detailed appreciation of the implications of the Take and Receive prayer).

Dear Lord, Thank You for all the wonderful examples of others living a life in giving back to You, some don't realize the power of this prayer as they give of them self in service of You on the Villa DeLaRosa.  May my offering fulfill Your wishes for my life.  Amen.  

• Conclude with an Our Father.

What is God saying to you? I sit and gaze upon My creation as he sits in quiet contemplation, fulfilling his calling in life by My side.  The choices You make each day brings about fulfillment of My Kingdom on earth.  Be at peace during the rocky times, I will still be gazing upon You as You chart these waters, still by Your side.  

Dear Father, there is a richness is sitting with You and contemplating Your words giving to us by others.  There are days where I could sit for hours in this place but that does not serve You, only I.  Thank You for my intellect and ability to give back to You in small and insignificant ways that by Your grace will bear much fruit.  Prayers for those afraid to live because of loss or past mistakes, may they come to know how much they are loved and are willing to trust in Your Divine Providence for their lives.  I ask this in Jesus name, Amen. 

Mary, Queen of Heaven, Pray for us. 

St Joesph, Most Prudent, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey. 

https://youtu.be/ReuzmyzKsUw

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY THREE: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 4



WEEK TWENTY THREE: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 4



MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:

Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

CONTEMPLATION TO ATTAIN THE LOVE OF GOD, #236 Read #236; then the Reflection; ask for an intimate knowledge of the many blessings received, that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty (#233). (After pondering each bullet point, express your sentiments in a short prayer)

• # 236. "This is to consider how God works and labors for me in all creatures upon the face of the earth, that is, He conducts Himself as one who labors." God takes care of us in a very personal way, being the perfect Father that He is.

• "Thus, in the heavens, the elements, the plants, the fruits, the cattle, etc., He gives being, conserves them, confers life and sensation, etc." Revolve your gaze upon all of creation to see how intimately present God is to us as Emmanuel.

• #234. "I will make this offering of myself: Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my

memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and possess. Thou hast given all to me. To Thee, O Lord, I return it. All is Thine, dispose of it wholly according to Thy will. Give me Thy love and Thy grace, for this is sufficient for me." (Refer to Day Two for a more detailed appreciation of the implications of the Take and Receive prayer).

• Conclude with an Our Father.

I began my face to face with God as I do most mornings, saying an Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be, Acts of Faith, Hope, Charity and the daily offering while I wait for the water to boil.  Then God and I sit with a cup of coffee.  This morning we pondered the vastness of the simple cup of coffee and what is involved for us to be able to do that.  We went all over the world, into different countries, we traveled through time as technology caught up with the ability to move commerce and capture natural resources.  God orchestrated all of this so we could sit and enjoy a simple cup of coffee.  Then I pondered Jesus living amongst us and the love that such an infinite God has for us to live in the world that He created.  It makes you feel very small and gives you a great appreciation of His love that "I" am that important to Him.  

What is God saying to you? You are that important and we do enjoy the coffee together.  I enjoy our time together as you grow with me.  A Fathers love is never ending and I want to endow the greatest gifts to My children.  Thank You for taking time with Me today.  You have work to do and memories to make, go into the day knowing You are My treasure whom I will protect.  

Dear Father, Awe is an experience that is hard to describe.  I treasure our time together, I love being with You and I also know the more I learn, the less I know but that is ok for You are my teacher.  Thank You for the sensation of awe and admiration over our simple cup of coffee, it is much better with You than without You.  Prayers of thanksgiving for friends coming home from hospital this week Lord, thank You!  Prayers for another still in recovery, may his skin reattach and grow back together, You are the Great Healer with infinite wisdom.  Bless this day Lord, keep us safe and out of harms way, I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.  

Mary, Mother of Love, Pray for us.  

St Joesph, Foster Father of Jesus, Pray for us. 

Viva Cristo Rey 

https://youtu.be/AXjEUq93-ug

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world.  1 John 4:4b

WEEK TWENTY THREE: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 3

WEEK TWENTY THREE: LIFE AFTER THE RETREAT - DAY 3

MORNING FACE TO FACE WITH GOD:
Begin with Prayer to the Holy Spirit

CONTEMPLATION TO ATTAIN THE LOVE OF GOD, #235Read #235; then the Reflection; ask for an intimate knowledge of the many blessings received, that filled with gratitude for all, I may in all things love and serve the Divine Majesty (#233). (After pondering each bullet point, express your sentiments in a short prayer)

• # 235. This is to reflect how God dwells in creatures: "in the elements giving them existence, in the plants giving them life, in the animals conferring upon them sensation:" If we take the trouble to gaze and inspect every creature that exists around us, we will be amazed, and at times overwhelmed, by the beauty, complexity, and grandeur of God's creation. God holds them in existence every second. In a very real sense they reflect God's loving providence for us, and express the divine beauty and goodness, as well as the glory of God.

• "(How God dwells) in man bestowing understanding. So He dwells in me and gives me being, life, sensation, intelligence; and makes a temple of me, since I am created in the likeness and image of the Divine Majesty." When we look at human beings, we are gazing at an altogether different kind of creature, made in the image and likeness of the Creator. Humans have a capacity no other earthly creatures have, namely, the ability to share covenant life with God. Just examining the various faculties, sensible and spiritual, that belong to a human being, will cause wonder, awe, and amazement.

• "Then I will reflect upon myself again in the manner stated in the first point, or in some other way that may seem better." When considering in great detail the many gifts and special blessings God has bestowed upon us, our hearts are deeply stirred and we arrive at an even deeper appreciation of God and commitment to Him!

• #234. "I will make this offering of myself: Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and possess. Thou hast given all to me. To Thee, O Lord, I return it. All is Thine, dispose of it wholly according to Thy will. Give me Thy love and Thy grace, for this is sufficient for me." (Refer to Day Two for a more detailed appreciation of the implications of the Take and Receive prayer).

• Conclude with an Our Father.

What is God saying to you?

Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b