Daily reflection from the CPLO and the Jesuit Institute for 15 September 2021

Published: Wed, 09/15/21

Wednesday, 15 September 2021

“to be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and to be put to death”

~ Mark 8:31 ~

Mark 7:31-37

“Deny yourself, take up your cross and follow me.”

(Mark 8:34)

We are the Body of Christ, called to imitate our Redeemer – right to the end, in the deepest joys of life and in the most demanding pain. It is not always comfortable to be a disciple. Discipleship is about following Jesus; it is about what God is doing in us; it is about God’s plan. Suffering is part of life (no need to look for any unnecessary suffering!). What is important is how we respond to it.

We can turn pain and suffering into something constructive. Jesus died not in bitterness but love.

Christ’s cross is a sign of Christ’s redemptive suffering, an assurance of God’s love for all Creation. In Col.1:24, Paul writes, “It makes me happy to be suffering for you now, and in my own body to make up all the hardships that still have to be undergone by Christ for the sake of his body, the church.” We share in Jesus’ mission.

Oscar Wilde, following imprisonment for a charge against morals, changed his life around. After his release, he wrote, “Where sorrow is, there is holy ground” and “How else but through the broken heart may the Lord Christ enter in?” When have I found holy ground in sorrow? Have I found Christ to enter into my heart in times of a broken heart?

Jesus chose to answer the violence of the cross with non-violence, to absorb it and to forgive, to express God’s love and to bring salvation. With the gifts with which God has infused me, will I acknowledge my cross, pick it up and bear it?

Looking up at Jesus suffering on the cross, will I recognise that Jesus carries my pain with me? Do I find it helpful to offer up my suffering to God as Paul did?

“.. for anyone who loses his life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it.”

(Mark 8:35)

Reflection prepared by Kath Knowles

Healing your Soul Retreat

9-11 November 2021

This preached retreat will take place at St Ignatius House Auckland Park, Johannesburg. Using scripture, inspired writings and poetry, Fr Russell Pollitt SJ will guide you in reflecting where you need healing and how God heals.

This retreat is for you if you are:

●   Looking to slow down, relax and find healing.
●   Yearning for a deeper connection with God, who is our healer.
●   Working too hard.
●   Wanting to get in touch with yourself.
●   Seeking space and time to rest and reflect in a beautiful setting.

There will be a gentle rhythm, with plenty of time for personal reflection and rest. The beautiful gardens, silence and inspiring view will help you to relax and seek the healing you desire.

There are two options for this retreat:
You can live-in at our self-catering retreat centre. The rate for this option is R3250 (discounted to R3000 if you pay before 22 October 2021). You will be accommodated in en-suite rooms that will give you the space and time you need to enter into this time of reflection. Included in the price is the accommodation, use of the facilities, presentation, one-on-one consultation and the printed materials of the retreat.

You can also choose to live at home and come in daily. The rate for this option is R1500. Included in the price is the use of the facilities, presentation and printed material of the retreat.

The daily structure will be: an input at 09h30, a mediation at 12h30, an input at 15h00 and the celebration of the Eucharist at 18h00.

Spaces are limited, so to avoid disappointment, book your place now by completing the registration form and emailing retreats@jesuitinstitute.org.za