A few weeks ago I led a silent retreat at Dayspring, “Awakening to Love’s Promptings.” The group gathered was quite diverse – Christian, Jewish, Muslim, non-religious identified, Black, White, Latino, young adults, middle and older aged, women and men; I didn’t ask about work or background, but my sense was that we were diverse in those areas too.
My desire as a contemplative retreat leader was to convey through my presence and words that each one was welcome, that we all belonged here. As we went around the circle introducing ourselves, it was clear we were united by our common humanity expressed in a variety of life situations that had brought us here. There was a thread of deep longing to simply be and that be ok. We came curious or spiritually hungry for what the spaciousness of a silent weekend and an openness of heart and mind might invite. We all recognized we were in need.
Today’s scripture is a series of encounters with Jesus.* These are healing stories, and what stands out for me is Jesus’ radical hospitality. He sees and receives the other beyond categorization or judgment. He meets each one in their particular need and extends wholehearted mercy. He sees us for so much more than what we have done or haven’t done, or what we have or don’t have. He sees us in our grief, our brokenness, and our preciousness. He wants us to have faith that we are beloved.
Jesus wants us to see ourselves and each other as God sees us – with immeasurable compassion and grace. In the closing circle of the retreat as we listened to each other share the gifts received in our shared silence, the room shimmered with just that.
-Trish Stefanik, Overlook Retreat House at Dayspring
• Where do you go to simply be yourself and hear your heart’s desire?
• What has it felt like or might you imagine it feels like to be deeply seen and loved as you are?
As you reflect this week on God’s healing nature, you might enjoy this sung version of St. Teresa of Avila’s prayer, Christ Has No Body Now But Yours.
