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.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Do you not know that your body is a temple of the holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been purchased at a price. Therefore, glorify God in your body.

Saint Paul points out that our bodies are not our own, but rather temples of the Holy Spirit. They belong to God, who bought them at a price. A temple is sacred, and is used for worship. As a caretaker for the temple which we are, respect for our bodies is a moral choice. How we respond to all that relates to our body, mind and spirit are moral choices. Glorifying God in our bodies requires daily choices regarding our health, well-being, and sexuality. Remembering that the Holy Spirit dwells within us sheds light on our choices and strengthens us to live as temples of the Spirit.

When is it hardest for me to remember that I am God's temple?

As a temple of the Holy Spirit, what love and care does my body need?

(Speak to God using these words or ones of your own.)

God, you created me for goodness. Grant me the grace to always remember that I belong to you and that the Spirit dwells within me.