On Retreats and Recollections

courtesy fotografik mind
By Flora Aguilan
In this era of multi-tasking, the state of being in solitude and doing nothing is a big crime. It is thought of as a waste of time. We are expected to be in action at all times to accomplish many
things for growth and advancement. In this modern environment, we are consumed with a lot of work and leisure activities to better our lives.
But wait, can we slow down for a while? Is retreating from this demanding world liberating? Well I should say YES! We need to hold back for a moment to give us time to think and analyze what we are doing and where we are going. Slowing down, finding a place of shelter and reflecting gives us a clear view of our lives.

I learned the 3Rs in this moment of solitude. The first R is for Retreat, second R for Recollection and the last R for Reflection. These Rs are intertwined that leads us to better knowledge of ourselves and towards maturity. 
We need to Retreat from the maddening crowd and be in silence. In silence, we will hear the small still voice of our Big Brother who tells us “Hey, be still I am here with you and I am in control.” Then we Recollect about the goodness of life that God has bestowed on us. We can see that in good times and bad times, God holds us in his hands. God is continually giving purpose in our lives to give us hope and a future. Then we can Reflect on the deeper meaning of our lives and the real work or mission for us. This in turn propels us to act accordingly and prioritize our work to what is pleasing in God’s sight. Henceforth, maximizing our great potential by making choices which are great value to us.
This I have learned by attending our Recollection every 3rd Saturdays of the month and looking forward to another time of refreshment.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Pain of Hoping, The Agony of Praying Amidst This Pandemic

Image
Amidst this COVID-19 pandemic, a slice of hope seems so aloof; praying is like an agony that when you hope for a miracle, you wait a long queue behind the prayers of five million people infected worldwide. Perhaps, the distance between heaven and earth is limitless; but with God, nothing is too far. I know that he can hear me. My Prayer Our Father in Heaven, today I pray again. Remember when I asked how important for You that for my sister to receive the Sacraments that she needed?  The next day you sent a priest to our home to give those Sacraments. You heard my prayer. I was overjoyed. Thank you! You sent someone like Fr William who took the risk to visit us. Heavenly Father, you always know what's best for us. Even if sometimes it will cause us pain. Your way is The Way, for whatever reason, it is the best. Unless, we will it otherwise, thus, you respect. But the moment our prayer is sent to You, You take charge.  That night, when my sister w
Read more

Prayer for Guidance from the Holy Spirit

Image
Father, speak to me I wish to receive your Word into my heart Send forth Your Spirit to me, Reveal Your Face to me today. Come O Holy Spirit Fill the hearts of Thy faithful Enkindle in me the fire of your love; Send forth Your Spirit and I shall be created and You shall renew the face of the earth. O God,  Who by the light of the Holy Spirit; Instructed the hearts of Thy faithful; Grant that in the same Spirit I may be truly wise and Ever rejoice in His consolation. Amen.
Read more