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 10/28/16

October 28, 2016  /  Joe Parisi

Allowing God to Surprise Us 

In the story of Zacchaeus and Jesus in this Sunday's Gospel we have in a way an example of how "curiosity did not kill the cat," but rather saved it. Zacchaeus, a despised local tax collector of Jericho, had obviously heard a lot about Jesus, his marvelous deeds of healing, his preaching and his manner of dealing with every kind of person, regardless of their status or what their reputation might be. It seems that all Zacchaeus wanted to do was to see this person. Given the large crowd that assembled on the streets Jesus was traveling, he did the only thing he could do to accomplish this. So, he climbed up a Sycamore tree. 

And then when he does view him, to his great surprise he sees Jesus also looking up at him. Then to his astonishment Jesus addresses him, and asks to come to his home. Although the Scripture says nothing about this, evidently as Jesus accompanied Zacchaeus to his house and conversed with him, Zacchaeus eyes of faith were opened, and he realizes that indeed Jesus has come to bring forgiveness and life to all of the lost sheep of Israel, including himself.

Zacchaeus does not seem to question why or how such a great thing could happen to him but instead makes the most of the gift of this wonderful surprise. He knows in his heart what Jesus desires of him and the kind of life he is calling him to, and he's most willing to make the most of this opportunity.

I believe that most of us, perhaps all of us, are at times surprised about how God comes into our lives with the gift of his mercy, forgiveness and love.  When this happens, it is not the time to say to yourself, why me or how can this be?  Rather let us pray that we be like little children who rejoice being surprised, accept the gift and with unquestioning gratitude receive the gift and make the most of it.

Fr. Jim Blumeyer, S.J.

PLEASE PRAY FOR THOSE ON RETREAT THIS WEEK AS WELL AS OUR DECEASED RETREATANTS.

 PLEASE PRAY FOR PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITY