5 Mary of Nazareth

Start:

Allow your body and mind to slow down. Become aware of the presence of God.

Light the candle which symbolises the light of Christ.

Hope: To deepen my love for Jesus and his way of living the ordinary days of his life.

Begin with a brief conversation with God asking to be open for the grace which you hope for during this retreat.

Introduction:

Like Mary of Nazareth we nurture, guide and care for the young, developing in them a knowledge and love of the God who is active in their lives, and a respect for all God has created. Like Mary, we accept them as they are even when we don’t fully understand their decisions. In an age of self-gratification, we give our love generously.

Luke 2:39-52 | The Return to Nazareth – The Boy Jesus in the Temple

When they had finished everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favour of God was upon him.

Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it. Assuming that he was in the group of travellers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.” He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart.

First Exercise, Lectio: What does the text tell me?

Read the Scripture passage slowly, at least twice.

If a word or phrase or idea seems important, take note of it.

Second Exercise, Meditatio: What do I say to God in light of the text?

Allow the important word, phrase or idea to enter your thoughts.

Be with the words, recognising that you are in God’s presence.

Allow the Holy Spirit to lead your awareness of the words.

Third Exercise, Oratio: Prayer

Let your heart speak to God.

Use the words of the Scripture passage or the thoughts that emerged during your reflection on them.

Fourth Exercise, Contemplatio: Contemplate in silence and quiet.

Let go of words or thoughts and allow yourself to rest in the presence of God