Virtual Vocations Retreat

This retreat moment is borrowed from
"For Your Vocation" & the USCCB:

Scripture Reading: Psalm 8:3-4

When I see the heavens, the work of your hands,
the moon and the stars which you arranged,
what is man that you should keep him in mind,
mortal man that you care for him?

Reflection:
“The source of every perfect gift is God who is Love – Deus caritas est: “Whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him” (1 Jn 4:16). Sacred Scripture tells the story of this original bond between God and man, which precedes creation itself. Writing to the Christians of the city of Ephesus, Saint Paul raises a hymn of gratitude and praise to the Father who, with infinite benevolence, in the course of the centuries accomplishes his universal plan of salvation, which is a plan of love. In his Son Jesus – Paul states – “he chose us, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and without blemish before him in love” (Eph 1:4). We are loved by God even “before” we come into existence! Moved solely by his unconditional love, he created us “not … out of existing things” (cf. 2Macc 7:28), to bring us into full communion with Him.

In great wonderment before the work of God’s providence, the Psalmist exclaims: “When I see the heavens, the work of your hands, the moon and the stars which you arranged, what is man that you should keep him in mind, mortal man that you care for him?” (Ps 8:3-4). The profound truth of our existence is thus contained in this surprising mystery: every creature, and in particular every human person, is the fruit of God’s thought and an act of his love, a love that is boundless, faithful and everlasting (cf. Jer 31:3). The discovery of this reality is what truly and profoundly changes our lives. [Pope Benedict XVI, Vocations, the Gift of the Love of God, WPDV Message, 2012]

Personal Integration:
How does this reality change the way I see myself? How does it help me understand my identity?

How does this knowledge change the way I perceive and treat each person I encounter?

(A time of sacred silence should be observed.)

Closing Prayer of Self-Offering:
God our Father, thank you for creating each us out of your boundless, faithful and everlasting love.  As we seek your loving will, help us respond to your love with generous and willing hearts.  Amen.

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