I recently learned that Canon Law requires priests, deacons, and seminarians to take a yearly retreat. Those of us who are lay people should do the same! Retreats can be life changing, helping us get out of our routines, habits, and thought patterns so we can reassess what God might be calling us to in our faith and recovery journeys. This can look like a camping trip with intentional time set aside for prayer and reflection, a Diocesan retreat, a Catholic in Recovery retreat, or even an hour at a church or local park. One way of making time for prayer and stillness is through a favorite devotion of mine, the First Saturday Devotion in honor of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The devotion entails attending Mass on the first Saturday of the month for five consecutive months as well receiving Communion, participating in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and reciting the Rosary while meditating on the mysteries for at least 15 minutes. This is a great “mini-retreat” for a Saturday morning and a way for us to heed Jesus’ words today of finding a deserted place to rest a while.

As Jesus reminds us today, let’s take seriously the importance of making time for daily prayer and solitude, which is vital to our spiritual growth and essential to any healthy recovery program.

Reflection Questions

• What does your own “deserted place” look like? What is your experience like spending time there?
• Do you schedule regular time for prayer and reflection? What helps you maintain your commitment to regularly resting in God?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Hebrews 13:15-17, 20-21
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 23:1-3a, 3b-4, 5, 6
Gospel: Mark 6:30-34

Reflection by Allison H.