Introduction

The Parables of Mercy

Introduction

Welcome to our online Summer Retreat for 2016.  This daily retreat is designed to give you an opportunity for prayer and reflection during the summer season.

You may use the retreat at any time and in any environment that is convenient and conducive to your personal prayer and reflection.  You may also use the retreat in a family or faith-sharing environment.  Don’t worry if you miss a day; you do not have to complete the retreat on the appointed days.

Here are some suggestions which you might find helpful:

1. Choose a designated time and location for your daily retreat.

2. Take a few moments to relax and quiet yourself before you begin the retreat. 

(If necessary, make a list of the things you need to do or think about after you have finished your prayer and reflection—this will help insure that these things don’t distract you during your retreat time.)

3. Begin by noticing the parable for the day and recalling the details of the parable as best you can remember them. 

Read the excerpt from the day’s parable.  Read it a second time if you wish.  Consider what words, phrases or ideas stand out for you.  In what way do you “connect” to this parable?  Can you imagine being different people in the parable under different circumstances?

4. Read Pope Francis’s reflection. 

Think about the ways in which you can identify with what he has written.  Are there ways in which your experience is similar or different? 

5. Reflect on the day’s Examination of Conscience. 

6. If time permits, spend a few minutes pondering today’s reflection and its connection to your own life. 

How would you summarize the point of today’s reflection?  How does it apply to your own life?

7. Pray today’s prayer.  Pray it a second time if you wish. 

Try to identify a word or phrase you want to remember and repeat throughout the day.

8. Share your thoughts or insights with other people participating in this retreat.

Thank you for participating in this summer’s online retreat.  We wish you a blessed and fruitful retreat experience.