WHITE HOUSE JESUIT RETREAT

St. Louis, MO 63129

1-800-643-1003

Jesuit retreat center high on the bluffs of the Mississippi River in St. Louis, MO.  Since 1922, thousands of people from around the world make annual three-day silent, guided retreats here to relax, reconnect with God and strengthen their spirituality.  A true gem in the Midwest!  Call 314-416-6400 or 1-800-643-1003.  Email reservations@whretreat.org  7400 Christopher Rd.  St. Louis, MO 63129

Both men's and women's retreats are offered as well as recovery retreats.

Take Spirituality to the Next Level!

Weekend Reflections for 12/19/14

December 19, 2014  /  Joe Parisi

Christmas

"Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High." (Lk 1:30-32)

Karl Rahner, S.J. was one of the most brilliant and holy theologians of the last century. (My opinion.) He wrote that if you want to experience what Christmas is really all about, you should go into a darkened room at night, sit quietly and comfortably, quiet your mind and go deeply within yourself, your own darkness.

You will become aware of your own longings, your deep desires to love and be loved, to know the truth and relish the beautiful, to be fully alive and to live forever. It's what it is to be human, to know our limits, our profound needs. Our God shares those longings and desires with us and so becomes one of us, a tiny, helpless infant. Now go and stare at the lights on your Christmas tree.