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 11/2/18

November 01, 2018  /  Joe Parisi

Have you ever wondered, "What is my purpose in life?" Jesus tells us in this Sunday's Gospel that our purpose is to love God with our whole heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbor as our self. That's it. It's all about love. Saint Ignatius would summarize this purpose as praising, reverencing, and serving God, both directly and through our neighbor. So be it.

Problem is, loving unconditionally is easier said than done. It looks good on paper. We all agree with the theory. But we can't seem to get out of ourselves enough to bring it about in fact. I don't find in myself such a deep source or reservoir of love to live it consistently. 

Perhaps the most consoling words of the Gospel are then found in Jesus's next statement to the young scribe, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." Jesus literally is that kingdom, the source of grace that will give the scribe the ability to love unconditionally. You and I are the scribe. 

Let us then nestle ourselves within the Sacred Heart of Jesus, through receiving Holy Communion regularly and making visits to him in the Blessed Sacrament, allowing his love to become the source of our love. Then we will indeed fulfill our purpose, and find ourselves living fully within the loving kingdom of God, within Jesus.  

-Fr. Anthony Wieck, SJ