I hope that you had a blessed 4th of July. I was able to spend the time conducting a retreat ‘Freedom in Following the Voice of the Spirit’ on Enders Island in Mystic CT. Not only was the weather outstanding but the group that God had called to come to the retreat was more than anyone could ask for. We were all blessed, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to have engaged with all of them.
Freedom can be defined in many ways depending on the person. Our retreatants worked on uncluttering the mind and heart so they could have the freedom to hear what the Holy Spirit was speaking to them. How about yourself? Do you take the time to listen to what God is saying to you, or are your days so cluttered with technology, tasks, work, running from place to place, that you hardly take a breath?
Last Saturday’s reading spoke about fasting and our celebrant went into detail about how and what we could fast from besides food! In addition to the ones I already suggested, he shared ideas like fasting from being critical of another’s ideas or fasting from anger and forgiving someone. What about fasting from being selfish and sharing some of what I have with others? There are truly so many ways we can deepen our relationship with God by taking the time to listen and follow his voice.
During the retreat I shared a quote from our Mother Foundress, Blessed Frances Siedliska “May my voice be an echo of God’s voice.” I find this so powerful because words can either hurt or heal, so let us echo God’s word, which always heals. So, my friends during this next week of summer can you declutter your mind a little to hear what God is asking of you as you speak words that truly would echo God’s words.
Till next week,
Sister Theresita
