Sunday, October 11, 2009

Reflections from Greccio

For the past 3 weeks, the individual classes at the North American College have been escaping for a week of silent retreats before the start of the academic year. Last week, our class spent our retreat in Greccio--the city where St. Francis of Assisi formed the first creche (live nativity scene). The city, if it is big enough to be classified as a city, is situated in a mountainous region to the north of Rome. It was there that we spent a number of days, united as a class, but in complete silence to pray and spend time with the Lord...

There were many graces received that week, however, I want to share a few insights that I gained while in prayer. Take them for what it's worth:

Firstly, I want to emphasize how crucial it is for us as Catholic Christians to strive to encounter the love of God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This is one of the fundamental beliefs of Christianity that we ought to treasure as a gift: the fact that God came to earth and became man, and invites us to enter into a PERSONAL relationship with Him. That is, He loves us like no other as a unique person made in the image and likeness of God, Himself. He knows us better than we know ourselves. He loves us so passionately that His heart literally burns for us. This love is so immense, and it is a gift! All we have to do is accept it.

That relationship is so important, because it is the foundation of our relationships with one another. Without experiencing divine love, we can only love one another with a mortal love, which is fallen and imperfect. However, if we accept the love of God and reciprocate that love, it cannot remain within us. We are forced to pour out the love we have received from God to others. God is love. Thus, if we want to love one another, we must first love and accept God, who is love.

Secondly, it is important for us to remember how truly merciful God is. As St. Therese of Lisieux says, "You may truly say that if I had committed all possible crimes, I would still have the same confidence; I would feel that this multitude of offenses would be like a drop of water thrown into a flaming furnace" (Manuscrits autobiographiques, 313). With contrite hearts, yet humble confidence, rejoice in the fact that God wishes to forgive us and pick us up when we fall--that is the beauty of the sacrament of Penance. And what's more, as St. Paul says, "I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me" (2 Corinthians 12:9b). That is, when we are in most need of God's assistance, He willingly fills us with the graces needed to love Him! So, the next time you think "I can't do this," think of God saying "You're right, you can't, but we can!"

On her deathbed, Mother Theresa expressed concern to her sisters that they still have not encountered the love of Christ. I beg you to open your heart to accept God, who is immense love. When you become aware of His love, it is something truly better than anything that can be received on earth--it is supernatural! How do you start? Pray, and trust that God will provide. God always provides.