Come Rest for Awhile

By Mary Ann Halloran

Then Jesus said, “Let's go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” Mark 6:31

I try to make a retreat once a year if I can. I take time out of my busy schedule to go away and spend some quiet time with Jesus. I go on a silent retreat, meaning that it is not a visiting-with-other-people retreat. It even means shutting off my phone and closing off all distractions.

The dictionary definition of retreat is a place where one can go alone, away from everything. A spiritual retreat is where one pulls away from regular daily life to try to hear the Lord. It is a common practice in the Catholic tradition.

I find it very fruitful. Even though it is hard to get away, it is so worth it. I always get renewed in body, mind, and spirit. I am able to tune out daily life and hear Jesus more clearly. I feel revived in the silence, in prayer, through creation, and through the sacraments.

I know it may be hard for some of you to do this especially if you have small children. Perhaps, however, you could find a sitter for a few hours while you go to a church for a bit and sit in silence before the Lord. You can talk to him, and he talk to you. You may find that little time makes a difference for you.

Jesus desires to communicate with us, but it is up to us to listen. Why don't you think about taking some time out for a spiritual retreat? It may be just the thing you need.

God bless you.

Mother Hen