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 11/8/19

November 08, 2019  /  Joe Parisi

Marriage in this life is a privileged way to live within the covenant of God, a covenant that requires continual self-gift. Marriage is really a training in sacrifice (literally, "making holy"). Religious life is also.

In this Sunday's gospel, Jesus reminds us that marriage, with its double purpose of continual openness to children and mutual sanctification of the spouses, will no longer be necessary in heaven. Our focus there will be on an ever-deepening relationship with God, joined with all the saints, including loved ones from this life. There is no more need for children in heaven for no one will die, says Jesus. No more need for mutual sanctification either, for all will be sanctified.

As with last week's gospel, humility is the key. To allow myself to be drawn into the eternal covenant of heaven requires passing through the narrow door, following a path that is steep, a path of sacrifice, whether in married life or religious life (or a life where neither opportunity becomes available). But the vistas and rewards after ascending the summit--by Gods grace and through humble self-sacrifice--will be out of this world!

-Fr. Anthony Wieck, SJ