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 Reflection for 2/26/16

February 26, 2016  /  Joe Parisi

 

A Lenten Reflection

 

We're looking forward to spring. After many  snowfalls and cold winter days, Midwesterners are ready for sunshine and new life. Planting flowers, chirping birds, green grass, and maybe even bare feet. New creation is a living symbol of God's goodness and love.

We will hear of two unusual plants in at Mass on Sunday: a burning bush and a barren fig tree. Moses sees a bush that is on fire, but not destroyed. Jesus speaks of a fig tree that has produced no fruit, yet the gardener wants to give it one more season.

Jesus is the true burning bush. He is the Man on Fire, the Incarnate Light who walks among us. He seems a contradiction: how can God become a man? How can a dead man rise again? To our questions, Jesus responds simply: "I AM Who Am." He is the God of our fathers who has been beside us for years, for centuries, since before time began. As we draw closer to Him, we feel the warmth of His love. His living flame purifies our hearts, and even sets them on fire. We may feel surprise and fear: why has Jesus called me to come closer? He will not destroy us; He will make us more like Himself-- and thus more fully ourselves.

We are barren fig trees. Yet, Jesus wants to give us another chance. This Lent, Jesus works the ground around us. With His Word, He feeds our soil and nourishes our roots. In the sacraments, He gives us Living Water and Food from Heaven. After a long winter of sin and selfishness, the Light of His Spirit now shines upon us. In this Year of Mercy, He wants to thaw our cold and frozen hearts. Through Him, we can bear abundant fruit. With Him, we can be renewed in His image and likeness. In Him, we can help set others on fire.


Fr Joe Laramie, SJ

 

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

PLEASE PRAY FOR PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITY   

 

UPCOMING RETREATS WITH SPACE: 

Women: March 14, April 4

Coed: September 2-4

  

We have 2 LENT DAYS OF PRAYER coming up that have openings: Monday March 7th and Tuesday March 8th. 

Fr. Jim Blumeyer, S.J. will lead both events.  Three conferences will take place along with the chance for confession, mass and lunch.  Check in begins at 8:30am and the first talk will begin just after 9:00am.   The day will conclude around 2:15pm.  $25/person. These events will fill soon!  Call 314-416-6400 to register.