8-Day Advent Retreat: Follow The Way of Hope, Peace, Joy, Love

Preparatory Prayer:  “I ask God our Lord for grace that all my intentions, actions, and ways may be directed purely to the praise and service of God” (SE46).

Prelude: We begin the retreat with the prophetic words of the prophet Isaiah, who professed the coming of a savior, who was promised by God. The child is the prophesied Emmanuel, "God with us." With hope and anticipation, we wait for the coming of Jesus Christ, who is Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, and Prince of Peace.

Petitionary Prayer: Suggested Petitionary Prayer by St. Ignatius

"Lord, grant me the grace of an "intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely." (SE 104)*

Write in your own words your prayer. __________________________________________

Meditation: Isaiah 9: 1-7

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light;

Upon those who lived in a land. of gloom a light has shone.

You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing;

They rejoice before you as people rejoice at harvest,

as they exult when dividing the spoils.

For the yoke that burdened them,

the pole on their shoulder,

the rod of their taskmaster,

you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.

For every boot that tramped in battle,

every cloak rolled in blood,

will be burned as fuel for fire.

For a child is born to us, a son is given to us;

upon his shoulder dominion rests.

They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,

Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.

His dominion is vast and forever peaceful,

upon David’s throne, and over his kingdom,

which he confirms and sustains by judgment and justice,

both now and forever.

The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this!

Reflection: As I pray over these words, what images, thoughts, feelings, and desires emerge from within me? Of the names given to this child to be born, which gives you hope as you enter this Advent season?

Preparatory Prayer:  “I ask God our Lord for grace that all my intentions, actions, and ways may be directed purely to the praise and service of God” (SE46).

Prelude: In the second prayer period, we meditate on the words of the prophet Isaiah, who cries out to God with a hopeful and contrite heart. The prophet’s words resonate as we wait in hope for the coming of the Lord Jesus, who redeems us. We are moved to call upon God once more, the God who come to the aid of His people. We call upon Him who is “the potter” to continue to form us and instill in us the desire to know Him, love Him and trust in His handy work to transforms us.

Petitionary Prayer: Suggested Petitionary Prayer by St. Ignatius

"Lord, grant me the grace of an "intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely" (SE 104).*

Write in your own words your prayer. __________________________________________

Meditation: Isaiah 63:16B-17, 19B; 64:2-7

You, LORD, are our father, our redeemer you are named forever.

Why do you let us wander, O LORD, from your ways,

and harden our hearts so that we fear you not?

Return for the sake of your servants, the tribes of your heritage.

Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down,

with the mountains quaking before you,

while you wrought awesome deeds, we could not hope for,

such as they had not heard from of old.

No ear has ever heard, no eye ever seen, any God but you

doing such deeds for those who wait for him.

Would that you might meet us doing right,

that we were mindful of you in our ways!

Behold, you are angry, and we are sinful;

all of us have become like unclean people,

all our good deeds are like polluted rags;

we have all withered like leaves,

and our guilt carries us away like the wind.

There is none who calls upon your name,

who rouses himself to cling to you;

for you have hidden your face from us

and have delivered us up to our guilt.

Yet, O LORD, you are our father;

we are the clay and you the potter:

we are all the work of your hands.

Reflection: Which words of the prophet resonate with your yearnings and desires? In your heart, what do you sense the Holy Spirit is speaking to you? How are you being called to trust more in God’s handiwork in your life during this Advent?

Preparatory Prayer:  “I ask God our Lord for grace that all my intentions, actions, and ways may be directed purely to the praise and service of God” (SE46).

Prelude: In the third prayer period, we meditate on the Gospel of Luke, which opens with an infancy narrative of John the Baptist. John the the Baptist, is to be the prophet of the “Most High, great in the sight of the Lord and will go before the Lord.”

In this Gospel, we relate to Zechariah’s doubt and his desire to overcome it with greater trust in the Lord. Zachariah persevered in prayer, and expressed a desire to let go of his fears in order to better trust in the joy and gladness that the angel of the Lord foretells. Imagine the scene and invite the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart.

Petitionary Prayer: Suggested Petitionary Prayer by St. Ignatius

"Lord, grant me the grace of an "intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely." (SE 104)*

Write in your own words your prayer. __________________________________________

Meditation: Luke 1:5-25

In the days of Herod, King of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the priestly division of Abijah; his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. Both were righteous in the eyes of God, observing all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blamelessly.

But they had no child because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. Once, when he was serving as a priest in his division’s turn before God, according to the practice of the priestly service, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord to burn incense.

Then, when the whole assembly of the people was praying outside at the hour of the incense offering, the angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right of the altar of incense. Zechariah was troubled by what he saw, and fear came upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John.

And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of [the] Lord. He will drink neither wine nor strong drink. He will be filled with the holy Spirit even from his mother’s womb, and he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God.

He will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah to turn the hearts of fathers toward children and the disobedient to the understanding of the righteous, to prepare a people fit for the Lord.” Then Zechariah said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years.”

And the angel said to him in reply, “I am Gabriel,* who stands before God. I was sent to speak to you and announce this good news. But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.”

Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and were amazed that he stayed so long in the sanctuary. But when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He was gesturing to them but remained mute. Then, when his days of ministry were completed, he went home. After this time, his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she went into seclusion for five months, saying, “So has the Lord done for me at a time when he has seen fit to take away my disgrace before others.”

Reflection: What doubts and anxieties do you carry into this Advent? What gifts of the Holy Spirit are you desiring to preserve, to trust more, to strengthen your faith?  How is God inviting you to continue to grow in desiring His love?

Preparatory Prayer:  “I ask God our Lord for grace that all my intentions, actions, and ways may be directed purely to the praise and service of God” (SE46).

Prelude: In the fourth prayer period we continue to pray with the Gospel of Luke and focus on the angel Gabriel's annunciation to Mary. In contrast to Zechariah who questions the angel’s annunciation in doubt, Mary questions the angel with wonder and awe. Mary demonstrates courage, trust in God and without fear, replies humbly “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.”

Petitionary Prayer: Suggested Petitionary Prayer by St. Ignatius

"Lord, grant me the grace of an "intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely." (SE 104)*

Write in your own words your prayer. __________________________________________

Meditation: Luke 1:26-38

In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin’s name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, “Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.”But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.

Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and He will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom, there will be no end.”

But Mary said to the angel, “How can this be since I have no relations with a man?”

And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived* a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then, the angel departed from her.

Reflection:  How is God inviting you to let go of your fears, to trust, to be Humble like Mary was during this Advent?  What particular ways have you been trying to go it alone?  What are those areas in your life where you can say "yes" to Him and invite Him into your life in a deeper, more intimate way?

MEET WITH YOUR SPIRITUAL DIRECTOR

Preparatory Prayer:  “I ask God our Lord for grace that all my intentions, actions, and ways may be directed purely to the praise and service of God” (SE46).

Prelude:  In the fifth prayer period we continue to meditate on Mary’s journey to the birth of Jesus. Here she is visiting her cousin Elizabeth who is also expecting a child and upon hearing Mary’s greeting the infant leaps in her womb. We share in the excitement of the unborn child as we wait in anticipation for the coming of our Savior Jesus Christ.

We meditate on Mary’s Canticle and with her, give praise to God the Father who shows us His mercy and keeps His promise to His people.

Petitionary Prayer: Suggested Petitionary Prayer by St. Ignatius

"Lord, grant me the grace of an "intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely" (SE 104).*

Write in your own words your prayer. __________________________________________

Meditation: Luke 1:39-55

During those days, Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to the town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said,

"Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.”

The Canticle of Mary.

And Mary said:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord; my spirit rejoices in God, my savior.

For he has looked upon his handmaid’s lowliness;

Behold, from now on, all ages will call me blessed.

The Mighty One has done great things for me,

and holy is his name. His mercy is from age to age to those who fear him. He has shown might with his arm,

dispersed the arrogant of mind and heart. He has thrown down the rulers from their thrones

but lifted up the lowly. The hungry he has filled with good things; the rich he has sent away empty.

He has helped Israel his servant,

remembering his mercy,

according to his promise to our fathers,

to Abraham and to his descendants forever."

Reflection: How have you heard the Lord speak to your heart's desires this Advent? What areas in your daily life can you offer praise through gratitude? With whom in your life do you share your faith, your joys, and your gratitude in the Lord?

Preparatory Prayer:  “I ask God our Lord for grace that all my intentions, actions, and ways may be directed purely to the praise and service of God” (SE46).

Prelude:  In the sixth prayer period, we shift our focus from Mary’s Annunciation to Joseph in Matthew’s Gospel. The angel appears to Joseph in a dream to tell him that Mary will bear a child through the power of the Holy Spirit. Joseph’s silence and action taken to do as the Lord commanded is a testament to Joseph’s obedience. God speaks to us in dreams, through the scriptures, and in the deepest desire of our heart.

Petitionary Prayer: Suggested Petitionary Prayer by St. Ignatius

"Lord, grant me the grace of an "intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely" (SE 104).*

Write in your own words your prayer. __________________________________________

Meditation: Matthew 1:18-25

Now this is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found with child through the Holy Spirit. Joseph, her husband, since he was a righteous man, yet unwilling to expose her to shame, decided to divorce her quietly.

Such was his intention when behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife into your home, for it is through the holy Spirit that this child has been conceived in her.

She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.”

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, ”which means “God is with us.”

When Joseph awoke, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife into his home. He had no relations with her until she bore a son, and he named him Jesus.

Reflection: What desires and dreams are stirring in your heart this Advent? In discerning those stirrings, how do you hear Jesus speaking to you through them? What do you want to say to Him?

Preparatory Prayer:  “I ask God our Lord for grace that all my intentions, actions, and ways may be directed purely to the praise and service of God” (SE46).

Prelude: In the seventh prayer period we meditate on the miracle of the birth of John the Baptist. His birth was a sign of God’s mercy because Elizabeth gave birth to him at a later age. Their neighbors and relatives rejoiced at the birth of their son and gave thanks to God together. Zechariah affirms that he will be named John, a sign that he has let go of his doubt. The story of John’s birth is a story that brings wonder and awe at the power of God.

Petitionary Prayer: Suggested Petitionary Prayer by St. Ignatius

"Lord, grant me the grace of an "intimate knowledge of our Lord, who has become man for me, that I may love Him more and follow Him more closely" (SE 104).*

Write in your own words your prayer. __________________________________________

Meditation: Luke 1:57-66

When the time arrived for Elizabeth to have her child she gave birth to a son.

Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy toward her, and they rejoiced with her. When they came on the eighth day to circumcision the child, they were going to call him Zechariah after his father, but his mother said in reply, “No. He will be called John.”

But they answered her, “There is no one among your relatives who has this name.”

So they made signs, asking his father what he wished him to be called.

He asked for a tablet and wrote, “John is his name,” and all were amazed.

Immediately his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God.

Then fear came upon all their neighbors, and all these matters were discussed throughout the hill country of Judea. All who heard these things took them to heart, saying, “What, then, will this child be?” For surely the hand of the Lord was with him.

Reflection: What newness in the spirit brings you amazement this Advent? How has God been revealing Himself to you through this time of a retreat? How have you responded in awe and wonder of such graces? Share with Jesus how you feel.

Preparatory Prayer:  “I ask God our Lord for grace that all my intentions, actions, and ways may be directed purely to the praise and service of God” (SE46).

Prelude: In the eighth and final prayer period, we proclaim the goodness of God with Zechariah, who recites a prayer of blessing put on his heart by the Holy Spirit. We give praise to God, who keeps His promise and with trust that in this Advent He will give strength and mercy to those who love Him. We praise God for His protection from our enemies and express our gratitude for John the Baptist, who encourages us to prepare for the coming of Our Savior by asking for forgiveness for our sins and strength for our weaknesses.

Meditation: Luke 1:67-80

Then Zechariah his father, filled with the holy Spirit, prophesied, saying:

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel,

for he has visited and brought redemption to his people.

He has raised up a horn for our salvation

within the house of David his servant,

even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old:

salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,

to show mercy to our fathers

and to be mindful of his holy covenant

and of the oath he swore to Abraham our father,

and to grant us that, rescued from the hand of enemies,

without fear we might worship him

in holiness and righteousness

before him all our days.

And you, child, will be called prophet of the Most High,

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,

to give his people knowledge of salvation

through the forgiveness of their sins,

because of the tender mercy of our God

by which the daybreak from on high will visit us

to shine on those who sit in darkness and death’s shadow,

to guide our feet into the path of peace."

The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert

until the day of his manifestation to Israel.

Reflection:  What words of Zechariah speak for you in praising and proclaiming the good news? How has the Lord been preparing you through this retreat for Christ's coming? What stirs within you? Where are you drawn to proclaim hope, peace, joy, and love because of His tender mercy?