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 11/20/20

November 19, 2020  /  Joe Parisi

Christ the King

Sunday begins the last week in the Church's liturgical year leading us into the Advent Season. We always end the year with this great feast when we celebrate Jesus Christ as our King, Leader and Shepherd. It's a feast we desperately need in this time of the covid pandemic, political division, social unrest, fear and uncertainty. Many of us are struggling for the serenity that "accepts hardship as the path to peace."

I've come to know that we give power to what we focus on. When I focus on all of the turmoil, it just gets worse. I'm feeding my fear of being helpless and truly out of control. It's all too big and powerful and I can't do anything about it. That's when God's Spirit reminds me that He's in charge, He's in control, Christ is King. In both the Old and New Testaments when God and Jesus are asked "Why the pain and suffering?" they respond, "Trust me." They don't give answers but invite us into a loving and trusting relationship. When we focus on that, we give it power and grow in our ability to let go and let God, to be compassionate and reach out to others.

On Thanksgiving let us focus on our blessings and be grateful. Remember: God is here and Christ in now.

Fr. Ralph Huse, S.J.