Before beginning your retreat, take some long, deep breaths. Become aware of God's loving presence within you.
Luke 2:51
[A]nd his mother kept all these things in her heart.
Our hearts are the center of our body, mind, and spirit. Our hearts are where we can encounter mystery. Our hearts are the place where we can store our personal truths to ponder and reflect on them. Mary shows us that some things need to be allowed to come to fullness slowly in order to make sense of them. Mary models patient discipleship-one who waits for the unfolding of God's plan.
What things am I pondering in my heart at this time?
What else might I learn from Mary's patient discipleship?
(Pray using your own words or the following prayer.)
Loving Creator, you who formed my heart, grant me the ability to keep and ponder all that you show me in the stillness of my heart.
Amen.