Greetings!<\/p>\n
A principle element in invitation and attendance at the retreat is a personal relationship with Jesus. \u00a0As Catholics, we find ourselves living out our faith within an institutional framework. \u00a0So referring to a personal relationship with Jesus may seem a little odd because we don’t always hear that phrase. \u00a0But if we look more closely at what the Scripture stories reveal and what the lives of all the Saints reveal:\u00a0it is all about a personal relationship with God<\/strong>.<\/p>\n The Incarnation–God enters human nature through a particular family, place and time in history. He lived within a particular culture with its own mores and music, customs and beliefs about creation, life, poetry, philosophy, medicine, agriculture and science. \u00a0Jesus had the same things that we all do. \u00a0Jesus came to teach and reveal the truth about God and the human person, yes! \u00a0But he also came to EMBRACE what it is to be human in each one of us–in a personal particular way!<\/p>\n For most people to be in the presence of the Lord can be a little intimidating. \u00a0We are very aware of our shortcomings, failures, faults and sins. \u00a0When we come on a retreat, this awareness may feel heightened. \u00a0We may feel unworthy or unlovable. \u00a0But here is the point of the personal relationship:\u00a0Jesus already chooses us personally<\/strong>. \u00a0He knows us intimately and loves us with our faults, weaknesses, imperfections and sins. \u00a0Jesus embraces our humanity with all it has in it. \u00a0He doesn’t want an institutionalized relationship–as if he is the corporate head and we are of no personal interest to him. \u00a0No,\u00a0He wants a very personal relationship with us.<\/p>\n Think about it:\u00a0If you meet a person you really enjoy and really connect with, you choose to open up and become friends. \u00a0You make plans to spend time together, you go places and do things together. \u00a0Your friendship and trust grow into love and appreciation for each other even while being aware of “human characteristics” that you are willing to tolerate because you love them and enjoy them so much. \u00a0You WANT that person to be in your life and they want you in their life! \u00a0There is no fear or embarrassment about yourself because they accept you and you accept them. This is a good beginning for understanding\u00a0the relationship Jesus wants with us.<\/p>\n Strengthen your relationship with Jesus.\u00a0 Come again, and share with others.<\/strong><\/p>\n Blessings to you!+++<\/p>\n Fr. Peter O’Brien<\/p>\n Next Retreats – Men:\u00a0 January 25-27, 2019<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 Women:\u00a0 February 22-24, 2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Greetings! A principle element in invitation and attendance at the retreat is a personal relationship with Jesus. \u00a0As Catholics, we find ourselves living out our faith within an institutional framework. \u00a0So referring to a personal relationship with Jesus may seem a little odd because we don’t always hear that phrase. \u00a0But if we look more … <\/p>\n