Cor Vitae Formators Training Closing Retreat
Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14
Luke 11:1-4
Reflection:
As we begin a retreat, opening our hearts to God is essential. The readings from Galatians and Luke offer valuable insights into what it means to come before God with openness, humility, and a readiness to be transformed.
In Galatians, we witness a critical moment in the early Church. Paul describes his meeting with the apostles to confirm that the Gospel he was preaching was in line with their teachings. Despite Paul’s profound experience with Christ, he recognizes the need to verify that he is on the right path. This humility is striking and provides a model for us as we enter a retreat. Like Paul, we may come into this time with experiences, knowledge, or expectations, but opening our hearts to God means being willing to reexamine our assumptions. It’s a time to step back, humbly ask for guidance, and ensure that we are aligned with God’s will, just as Paul sought the confirmation of the apostles. We also need our pathways verified.
In this passage, Paul’s openness to correction and willingness to address difficult truths also invites us to reflect on our own hearts. Are there ways of thinking and acting in our lives where we need correction? At the beginning of a retreat, we are called to bring these areas before God, trusting that His grace will bring healing and transformation.
The Gospel reading complements this reflection beautifully. In this passage, Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray, offering them the Lord’s Prayer. This simple yet profound prayer invites us to approach God with childlike trust and openness. At the beginning of a retreat, this prayer serves as a reminder that our relationship with God is rooted in dependence on Him. When we say, “Father, hallowed be your name,” we acknowledge God’s holiness and our need to revere Him. A retreat offers us the space to deepen this sense of awe and reverence for God, opening our hearts to His greatness.
“Your kingdom come” reminds us that we are invited to participate in God’s plan. A retreat is a time to reflect on how we are living out our part in bringing about God’s love.
The prayer also asks for daily sustenance, “Give us each day our daily bread,” reminding us of our complete dependence on God not only for our physical needs but also for the spiritual nourishment we seek during this retreat.
Finally, “Forgive us our sins, as we forgive others who sin against us” highlights the necessity of forgiveness as we open our hearts to God. Entering a retreat with unresolved matters can prevent us from fully experiencing God’s love. As we reflect on this, we are invited to let go of any burdens, allowing God to heal us.
Both readings call us to humility, integrity, and openness. As we begin this retreat, let us open our hearts to God in prayer, seeking His guidance, correction, and grace to live more fully in His love and truth.