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 9/23/16

September 23, 2016  /  Joe Parisi

Lazarus, the wealthy, and us (U.S.A.)

Once again this week, our White House experiences of the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius have much to do with the other White House which will soon be home to new leadership.

In this context, our Jesuit provincial superior, Fr. Ron Mercier, S.J., asks Jesuits and our colleagues to create that space of civil discourse which allows for true democratic dialogue and lets the foundational principles of our faith inform the ways we ponder and speak to one another about the tough choices we face.[i]

 

This week we consider Fr. Ron's suggestion that "we promote the teaching of the church as a resource for our political and social reflections" in this campaign season. Sunday's bible readings about poor Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31), as well as St. Paul's words of wisdom to Timothy (1 Timothy 6:11-16) speak clearly to us today in the quest for civil discourse in our political decision making to "pursue righteousness, devotion, faith, love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for faith." 

 

Accustomed as White House retreatants are with the Ignatian practice of Examen, perhaps we can take up these bible passages as part of our daily examen prayer as well as our celebration at the Eucharistic table this Sunday and for the coming week.

[i] Please see Fr. Mercier's August 15, 2016 suggestions on this topic at http://jesuitscentralsouthern.org/news-detail?TN=NEWS-20160817014921

 

 

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

 

PLEASE PRAY FOR PEACE IN OUR COMMUNITY