Desert Day

Today was Desert Day. 

A personal retreat at the Benedictine Monastery.

Just six hours of quiet time. 



my room for the day

        The hospitality of the Benedictines is their charism.

Scripture readings from the Gospel of John Chapters 18 & 19.

 I stopped where I was drawn.

Entered more deeply through meditation and journaling.

Afternoon reflections. Stations of the cross in the chapel.

Resonating. "Jesus is made to bear the cross."  

"...struggling to be YES,

all the way." (ridl)

Lord, you know how often I fall trying to follow you.

"Would you want to refuse to fall a hundred times,

if that were necessary to prove your love to Him,

and to rise each time with renewed strength?   St. Therese

This is where I long to be.

Keeping my gaze on your face.

My prayer is that I may bring you some comfort, dear Lord,

as I stay near you in your Passion.   



Stations of the Cross in monastery chapel

                       
"So I will allure her; I will lead her into the desert and speak to her heart." Hosea 2:16