Daily reflection from the CPLO and the Jesuit Institute for 4 October 2021

Published: Mon, 10/04/21

Monday, 4 October 2021

“The Lord God said: “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him.”

~ Genesis 2:18 ~

Genesis 2:18-24

God created animals and birds and brought them to Adam to be named and find a suitable partner. He created a woman, Eve, whom Adam found suitable. God’s recognition that it was not good for Adam to be alone highlights what we as humans have come to know: humans are social creatures who need close and intimate relationships with others. We know the importance of being able to share our deepest and innermost feelings with another, to be able to share the highs and lows of our lives. Having a “person”, as is the new buzzword, is helpful to us and can assist us in being mentally well.

God creates Eve as a gift to Adam. A partner to ease the ache of loneliness. Whilst Eve was created to be “like” Adam, she was also created to be “opposite” to him. And so, like the poles of magnets, opposites attract. Adam and Eve were like two pieces of a puzzle that could fit together. Adam was pleased with God’s creation of a partner for him. We, too, look for a life partner or friend that fits our character and lifestyle. This person, too, is a gift. A gift from God and a gift to ourselves. A gift that we should cherish and be grateful for.

God created Eve as a helper for Adam too. In the Old Testament, a helper is seen as an equal to the one being helped. In the Psalms (10:14; 54:4), God is called a helper to humans in need.

Do we remember to treat our partners, our person, as a helper and an equal? Do we cherish them and show our gratitude for them? Do we thank God for his gift to us?

Dear God,
Thank you for the gift of Eve to Adam,

the gift of companionship and relationship.

Thank you that this gift has transcended

the centuries to be an important

part of our lives.

Thank you for those in our lives

that we turn to ease our loneliness

and share life with.

They, too, are a gift from you,

and we are grateful for them.

Amen.

Reflection prepared by Gillian Hugo.

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