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!

Ash Wednesday Reflection

February 26, 2020  /  Joe Parisi

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As we enter deeply into this Lenten season, we are invited to reflect upon our double origin. Our readings this Sunday remind us that we are made from the earth, and yet God also breathes into us a life-giving spirit. That we are made from the earth is evident, and a frailty we ought never to forget. Adam and Eve forgot. And thus they fell for the temptation to "be as gods" by their own efforts. They chose as their motto, "seize the day!" Bad idea. A better motto for them would have been, "receive the day!" 

That's how Our Lord approaches the same temptations in the Gospel. He constantly receives the relationship with his Father, as gift. Jesus makes no power grab. While Satan tempts him (and us) with 1) love of creature comforts; 2) a large following of people who like us; and 3) power over the the things of this world, Jesus chooses relationship instead, every time, to receive the Spirit of the Father, as gift.
For our Lenten reflection: What are the ways I try to control the reality around me, to "seize the day" and "be as gods"? How am I invited to "receive the day" instead, as gift, receiving the life-giving Spirit of the Father? 

Happy Lent to all.  

-Fr. Anthony Wieck, SJ