Reflections after the Advent Retreat
These are some reflections for Advent:
It is a daily decision to love and follow Jesus. Our nature is not naturally inclined to worship our creator, as sin takes over in our life many times.
Find/make the time to pray daily.
Pre-plan the prayer time as the day will pass and you would not have stopped to be in contact with the Lord your God.
Pray first thing in the morning, the ‘first fruits’. The first moments of the day dedicate to the Lord.
Pray the Our Father and make the sign of the cross as soon as you wake up.
Read the Bible and write your daily/weekly experiences of the presence of the Lord in your daily life. After some time if you find these notes you will be able to remember where God has taken you. How much you have grown spiritually.
The joy of the gospel has filled my heart, so pass it on to others. Perhaps others (including those who are close to you) have never experienced this joy found in the gospel ONLY.
Many experience God in their lives, it’s like a honeymoon. The peace and the understanding of who God really is for you.
Find a priest to lead you in confession. Many struggle to confess their sins. It is not easy to really empty the innermost being. Make a monthly appointment to make sure you do not neglect confession. It is a special moment of grace.
Seek a spiritual companion to walk with you. To understand you and support you, encourage you and listen to you.
Involve yourself in service. Little things you do for others, in your church. Give a little of what the Lord has given you.
When you fall to sin, get up and get on with it. You are worth it as Jesus bought your salvation by dying on the cross.
By following Jesus it does not mean that you will never get angry, you will not suffer, or fall to sin…. but this happens and you love Jesus let alone if you don’t!!
Receive the Eucharist daily if possible. The power in receiving Jesus is a life changing experience. A daily miracle we can be part of, if we make the time.
A spiritual life without prayer is like the gospel without Jesus!
Discouragement is never from God. Offer discouragement and tiredness to Him.
We are christians with a mission….