Another drawing near

Matthew 8 : 5 - 17

I had the privilege over Friday and Saturday to facilitate a retreat for a group who wanted very much to experience a 'silent' retreat. They were five people - all friends, who decided to stay over at one of their homes. They had all become aware of God's invitation to spend time, quiet time with him, giving him undivided attention. It was well worth their effort to take time off pressing matters and just 'cut off' for a day. Each person encountered God in just the way appropriate for them at this time, thus deepening their desire to continue seeking. I am always encouraged as others share their journeys, for I learn much from them of God's ways with his beloved creatures.

I wonder what made the centurion seek Jesus' help. After all, being an officer in charge, he would have had to 'lower' himself to ask for help. In fact his request came humbly- just asking Jesus for long distance help - he was too unworthy for Jesus to step into his house. I find Jesus' encounters with people really interesting. Different people came up to him, humbly, with confidence in his compassion. They just 'knew' it was ok to ask him. They were drawn to him. In the second phase of the Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius asks retreatants to ask in prayer, "to know Christ more intimately, in order to love him more ardently and to follow him more closely". This process is done through imaginatively contemplating the gospels. Indeed, I continue to experience much fruit from praying this way on a regular basis.