As you begin your retreat, pause for a few moments and allow yourself to grow still. Let go of any distracting thoughts. Take several slow, deep breaths. Become aware of the great love God has for you.

Matthew 22:31-32

"And concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was said to you, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'? He is not the God of the dead but of the living."

Jesus is responding to an attempt by the Sadducees to trick him. But Jesus turns it into a teaching about the nature of God's power. In his answer to the Pharisees, Jesus is saying that God's creative power transcends all earthly relationships. There is but one God, the God of all, who abundantly gives life both on earth and for all eternity. We are called to live in this world without becoming bound to earthly things.

When am I tempted to put something else before God in my life?

How does my life proclaim that God is not a God of the dead but of the living?

(Pray to God, using these words or words of your own.)

God of all, thank you for the gift of life. Grant me the grace to put your love and grace before all else.