Hunger and authenticity are two very powerful words. These two words dominated the retreat that I was privileged to lead this past weekend at Enders Island in Mystic, CT. The theme was “Living with the Seven Sorrows of Mary”. We were 19 in number, and believe me, it was a powerhouse of prayerful adults, hungry to deepen their relationship with Mary by studying her Seven Sorrows. They developed their relationship with God by spending time before the Blessed Sacrament and praying together. I am always grateful when God gifts me with such an outstanding group of people.
During the introductions, people freely shared some of their struggles. One thing that kept coming up was ‘we are hungry to know and understand more about our faith, God, and ourselves.’ I sat there in amazement, thinking that God had really blessed me, and with the help of our Sorrowful Mother, we had an unprecedented Saturday. Being flexible and willing to view the process with different eyes proved very helpful. People interacted and listened intently to one another.
Focusing on living out the Sorrows of Mary helped each individual concentrate on more specific sorrows that they could identify with. A combination of challenging questions, quiet time, each participant’s authentic witness, and praying the chaplet to Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows was a rich experience. I was edified by the attention each person gave to another when sharing, praying, or offering helpful ideas. Again, I say that this particular group authentically wanted to know more and grow in the richness of the Seven Sorrows. Some things began to make sense, and hope was reignited for many. I think there will be some cross-pollination across Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York. Prayers and encouragement will be flying across state lines, strengthening the participants who came to the retreat authentically hungry for God.
It made me wonder how I have fueled my hunger for God in my own life. Am I authentically preparing for the coming of the Spirit this Pentecost Sunday? Does God and the world see me as a joyful, authentic Soul searching for more, hungering to understand and believe more? These are some questions we need to ask ourselves this week as we prepare for the Feast of Pentecost. May you be your most authentic self this week!
‘Till next week,
Sister Theresita
