Why do we go on retreat? Is it really just to get away from people we do not want to be around> Well… Elijah, Moses, Jesus – these guys went on retreat, so why not us? In fact, they went on retreat more than once. All the time, it seems! We often say to ourselves we should go on retreat, which is a great indication that God is telling us that very thing. In this episode, we talk about all that, from the Prodigal Son to the Apostles, “retreat” is everywhere in the Bible. We break it down for you, giving you the reasons God is calling you to retreat, and the fortitude you need to put your foot down and do it. And, we do all that while looking at flowers and singing songs. You can skip that part…

From brief less-than-a-day retreats to thirty-day Ignatian retreats. From mere moments in your room or the Adoration Chapel, to a crowd of hundreds. Whether we need a retreat for or from that moment with a short walk around the block to get away from the frustrations of family or work, to a retreat aimed solely at our spiritual development – we retreat for our soul to take a breath!

We “Re treat”, as Kristofer puts it. We give ourselves a treat again, allowing for a respite because we do have to have that time to detach ourselves from the day-to-day stuff, so that we can be present for God.

We should prep before Mass with a retreat. Just ten minutes of inward reflection before Mass makes the Mass so much more efficacious, making us better able to listen to Him, be in his presence, and relieve ourselves of the pressure we may be feeling in other aspects of our life. Jesus went up the mountain to pray, to rejuvenate and regain the zeal for His exhausting ministry. As a parent, spouse, child, we are in ministry, and because of that we need to take time to retreat.

The first reason for why we go on retrea is “Because Jesus did.” And if He did, why shouldn’t we? The saints and prophets did – so why shouldn’t we?

Ask around. Ask your Spiritual Director. Find a retreat YOU should go on. We offer some insights, advice, and recommendations here – so no excuse!

REFERENCES:

Here is the article Kristofer wrote a long time ago that mentioned: Why Doesn’t God Shout?

Some items on our site that will help in understanding this topic:

Page:FAR OUT – Faith and Reason Outdoor Unity Tour

Page: HOO™ We Are

Page: HOO 100

Podcast Episode: Retreat- Episode 37

Podcast Episode: Spiritual Works Of Mercy – Episode 93

Podcast Episode:Giving Back – Episode 127

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