in not of

for 4 days the missionaries, Tricia our director, Kristin our retreat leader and Fr. Paul our resident distributor of the Sacraments spent time up near Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, AZ praying, talking and learning about themselves and this community. as we prayed for greater intimacy with God as well as within our community, i was advised to meditate on a certain passage from scripture. some may know it very well... John 15:1-17...Jesus the True Vine.

as i read over these verses, i was overwhelmed by a glimpse at the love the our God has for me...for my brothers and sister in mission...for everyone. however, as i felt this transforming love within me, i realized that "new fruit", that is spiritual growth, will only come with pruning. the removal of what is unnecessary that was it at the root, love for one another, may flourish.

God is calling me out. He is telling me, "go back to the basics." don't complicate this; abide in Me.

as i felt God's love for me on retreat, i was also able to experience it at home with those i'm lucky to call my loved ones. whether it was big family dinner or Mass at my home parish, home was inspiring. i am missing my home very much and i know i couldn't deal with that without my brothers and sisters out here. so to my two different families -- thank you. i love you all and wouldn't be where i am today without you.

i ask that you pray for me and my community as we grow closer to God and one another. pray for me as allow myself to be pruned. and praise God for family.

Posted by adam at 3:18 PM Comments