Autumn Retreat

 “O God, be gracious and bless us
And let your face shed its light upon us” 

We are beginning our annual Community Retreat at a time of year when nature also slows down! There are rapid and remarkable changes happening all around us, and we can learn much from creation during this retreat time. Here are some of my thoughts:

As the leaves on the trees display a variety of colours, may we too realise the beauty and variety that is hidden “under the ordinary colour” of all the persons around us, and may we appreciate each one as he/she changes and develops.

“With fairness you rule the peoples
You guide the nations on earth”.

The leaves are falling too. May we let go of old ways that are no longer helpful, and with trust and faith let God work in our lives until the time of new shoots and growth.

"So will your ways be known upon earth

And all nations learn your saving help."

It is the season of harvest; apples and blackberries are abundant! May we give thanks for all God’s gifts.

“The earth has yielded its fruit
for God, our God, has blessed us”.

The weather is wet, cold and dark, but need not make us gloomy. St Teresa compared rainfall to an outpouring of grace from God in her prayer. May we learn from the delicate balance of nature to have greater balance in our own lives. May we care for our world and especially those affected badly by climate change caused by humanity.

“May God still give us his blessing
Till the ends of the earth revere him”.

Please unite with us in prayer during our retreat time and know that you are held in our prayer too.

Note: All psalm quotations above are from Psalm 66/67: “Harvest Song”.

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