The grace of the Fourth Week is to enter into the joy and consolation of Jesus as he savors the glory of the Resurrection. The episode reflects on the reactions of the disciples of Jesus to his death: pain and heartbreak, fear and anguish, doubt and uncertainty, and disappointment. The Resurrected Jesus takes on the role of “consoler,” and brings joy and consolation to all his disciples in the resurrection accounts. The episode concludes with the Contemplation on Divine Love. We pray for the grace of intimate knowledge of all the goods which God lovingly shares with us, that filled with gratitude, we might love and serve the Lord. This final contemplation inspires us to set off anew on our journey of faith at the conclusion of this retreat experience.
Suggested texts:
-
- John 20:1-29
- John 21:1-19
- Luke 24:13-35
- John 15:1-17
- Matthew 28:16-20
Points for Reflection: Enter into the joy and consolation of the Resurrection. Contemplate God’s love, and be filled with gratitude, so as to love and serve the Lord.
-
-
- What are the experiences of new life that stand out to you in your life?
- When has Jesus been a consoler for you? When has he brought you joy and consolation?
- What gifts has God given the world? What gifts has God given you? Say “thanks.”
- How can you give back to God, not just with words, but in action? How can you give back to God, who has given you everything?
-
Suscipe Prayer:
Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will- all that I have and call my own. You have given it all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace. That is enough for me.
