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.

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Weekend Reflections for 10/26/18

October 25, 2018  /  Joe Parisi

In Our Weakness is our Strength; Handicaps, Hopes, Discipleship.

a)     Whom do we choose as our heroes, our models? Most often, it seems to me, we go for strength.  Today's bible tells of the wisdom of weakness.

b)     Blind Bartimaeus in Sunday’s gospel is a model of discipleship for us, and example of how to approach and follow Jesus -- kicking and screaming, when necessary, to be heard. Bartimaeus knew his need and made a point of letting Jesus know about it, despite the embarrassment of those around him at the ruckus he was raising. They perhaps wanted to shelter and protect this handicapped person, but also keep him out of sight. He would have none of this, and shouted out to Jesus for help. A model of discipleship: he knows his handicaps, and knows that only God in Jesus can call him, with all of his handicaps, to follow. It’s important to know our handicaps – Bartimaeus probably would never have come to know Jesus if he didn't know his own needs and even shout out about them. Our weaknesses, blindnesses, handicaps are invitations to let God into our lives, sort of like the weakness in a football line. God goes for our weaknesses, not to conquer us, but to heal us and call us to follow as disciples

c)      Jesus himself followed this path of emptying himself -- we have a high priest who is beset by weakness, and in this emptiness he is triumphant.