Before you begin your retreat, pause for a few moments and begin to relax. Take several long, deep breaths and rest in the loving presence of God.

1 John 4:16

We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love; and whoever remains in love remains in God and God in him.

In this passage, we hear the testimony of one who speaks from the heart. Only a person who has experienced the unconditional and transforming love of God can speak with such conviction. Such an experience does not move a person to withdraw, but rather draws them more deeply into community. When we are filled with God's love, our response is to reach out to others. God's love is something which must be shared. We see this in the love of the three Persons of the Blessed Trinity. The Trinity is a community of love which overflows into all of creation. We are all offered the opportunity to know and believe in the unconditional love of God.

Who has helped me come to know the love of God in my life?

How might I reach-out with God's love to others today?

(Give thanks for God's love using these words or your own.)

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.