Before you begin your retreat, pause for a few moments to turn your focus inward. Relax and recognize that you are in the loving presence of God, who is with you as you continue to journey in faith.

Mark 1:17-18

Jesus said to them, "Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men." Then they left their nets and followed him.

When you watch children play with toys, you'll often see one treasured toy abandoned without a second thought in favor of something new. A child does this without even an awareness that anything is being left behind. Perhaps we can learn from the play of children. When we hear this passage, we tend to look at what a huge leap it was for the first disciples to abandon their nets. Perhaps it would help to look at the disciples' response to Jesus' call as a child called to a new, exciting game. We find in the disciples an example of how to joyfully embrace the invitation to show God's love to others.

How and when have you experienced being called by Jesus?

What have you "left behind" in order to follow him? What have you discovered or gained?

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

I will follow you, Jesus. When I am fearful, I will follow. When I am excited, I will follow. When I am tired, I will follow. All the days of my life, I will follow you, Jesus.