Virtual Retreat

Daily scriptural reflections by Fr. Rory Pitstick, SSL from Immaculate Heart Retreat Center in Spokane, WA
Also available via daily email

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Daily Retreat 03/16/07

2007 Mar 16 Fri: Lenten Weekday. .
Hos 14: 2-10/ Ps 80(81): 6c-8a. 8bc-9. 10-11ab. 14 and 17/ Mk 12: 28-34

From today’s readings:  “Thus says the LORD: Return, O Israel, to the LORD, your God; you have collapsed through your guilt....  If only My people would hear Me, and Israel walk in My ways....  Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is Lord alone! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength....”


Return!

We've all had the experience of making a wrong  turn in a congested downtown area, then driving  cluelessly about for awhile with no idea of how  to get back on track, then breathing a sigh of  relief when we finally come across a sign  pointing to the right road.

It's easy to see how that scenario is quite  analogous to our spiritual life. It certainly  is all too easy to get off track, and soon we  find ourselves going around in circles or  wandering about aimlessly, having almost  forgotten where we're supposed to be going.

But then, God graciously provides us with a sign  that points to HIM, and we're reminded of where  we're supposed to be going, and how to get there.  That's what the season of Lent is all about:  noticing the many signs that God provides for us  that lead us to return to Him. Of course, no matter  how clearly a sign may point to the right direction,  one must freely choose to follow the sign in order  to get back on track.....