The 2020 – 2021 retreat season theme is…
LORD IT IS GOOD FOR US TO BE HERE. ~ MT 17:4
“The Paradox”
Webster’s defines paradox as 'a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true’.
It’s good that we are here? It isn’t feeling like a good time in life…between the Pandemic and the unrest that we as a country are not just watching but feeling. The words from the gospel of Matthew, spoken by Peter at the sight of Christ shining like the sun, are challenging. The gospel account of the transfiguration is bookended by two predictions of the passion. If we pause to reflect between our own sufferings, can we too say, “Lord it is good for us to be here”?
In November of 2020, the Passionists will begin the celebration of the Tricentenary of the foundation of the Congregation. Where is the ‘here’ in the context of the 300th Anniversary? We could say that 'it is good to be here at the foot of the Cross' with Christ, Love crucified, where the Passionists have led thousands of souls over the years and at HNPRC for the past 75 years.
The challenge of these few words is to find the joy in the middle of the heartache. Spiritual joy amidst the suffering.
Come and join us on ‘holy ground’ as we prayerfully break open “The Paradox”.
The 2020 – 2021 retreat season theme is…
LORD IT IS GOOD FOR US TO BE HERE. ~ MT 17:4
“The Paradox”
Webster’s defines paradox as 'a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true’.
It’s good that we are here? It isn’t feeling like a good time in life…between the Pandemic and the unrest that we as a country are not just watching but feeling. The words from the gospel of Matthew, spoken by Peter at the sight of Christ shining like the sun, are challenging. The gospel account of the transfiguration is bookended by two predictions of the passion. If we pause to reflect between our own sufferings, can we too say, “Lord it is good for us to be here”?
In November of 2020, the Passionists will begin the celebration of the Tricentenary of the foundation of the Congregation. Where is the ‘here’ in the context of the 300th Anniversary? We could say that 'it is good to be here at the foot of the Cross' with Christ, Love crucified, where the Passionists have led thousands of souls over the years and at HNPRC for the past 75 years.
The challenge of these few words is to find the joy in the middle of the heartache. Spiritual joy amidst the suffering.
Come and join us on ‘holy ground’ as we prayerfully break open “The Paradox”.
The 2020 – 2021 retreat season theme is…
LORD IT IS GOOD FOR US TO BE HERE. ~ MT 17:4
“The Paradox”
Webster’s defines paradox as 'a statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true’.
It’s good that we are here? It isn’t feeling like a good time in life…between the Pandemic and the unrest that we as a country are not just watching but feeling. The words from the gospel of Matthew, spoken by Peter at the sight of Christ shining like the sun, are challenging. The gospel account of the transfiguration is bookended by two predictions of the passion. If we pause to reflect between our own sufferings, can we too say, “Lord it is good for us to be here”?
In November of 2020, the Passionists will begin the celebration of the Tricentenary of the foundation of the Congregation. Where is the ‘here’ in the context of the 300th Anniversary? We could say that 'it is good to be here at the foot of the Cross' with Christ, Love crucified, where the Passionists have led thousands of souls over the years and at HNPRC for the past 75 years.
The challenge of these few words is to find the joy in the middle of the heartache. Spiritual joy amidst the suffering.
Come and join us on ‘holy ground’ as we prayerfully break open “The Paradox”.
Prayer for Passionist Retreatants
Jesus, you invited the apostles to come away with you to a deserted place and rest a while. Like your apostles, enable me to experience You on retreat — your suffering love and tender compassion. May I come to better know myself, to draw closer to you, and to thus be of better service to my brothers and sisters in the Church. Help me to listen attentively, to ponder prayerfully, to respond generously, and to benefit from the solitude and peace. Through the intercession of Mary, Mother of Sorrows, may I and my fellow retreatants leave our retreat as deeply committed Christians, better able to follow Your footsteps in all the opportunities and challenges of life. Amen.