ReLENTless 2024
On the 9th to 10th of March 2024, as we were midway through Lent, a group of “seekers” (Catholic young adults seeking for more closeness with God) were given a sweet, memorable, and Spirit-filled respite in the form of a retreat called “reLENTless” led by Fr Ramon Borja SDB.
Arriving at our destination at Cabana homestay, a lodging most quaint and lovely, we were warmly greeted not only by the owner, but also the excited and playful countenances of the owner’s adorable dogs. Although not fully acquainted with everyone prior, we quickly got to know each other and conversations flowed naturally and comfortably as we talked about our lives and love for God.
As we embarked into the sessions, I was deeply touched by the symbolism of the very famous art masterpiece by Michaelangelo- the creation of Adam. Fr Ramon pointed out as we all fixated our gazes at the image that God is actively stretching out His hand to touch Adam, who represents mankind, while Adam was not as enthusiastic and passionate in responding to God’s love. This is so representative of the predicament we time after time wittingly or unwittingly put ourselves into which is the unhealthy attachments and obsessions to worldly pleasures, that always leads us to feeling more empty than before, and sometimes even falling into despair and hopelessness. St Augustine says “our hearts are restless until they rest in Thee”, and so there we have it, the answer that we all seek for. This was beautifully illustrated by a modern adaptation of Francis Thompson’s poem- the Hound of Heaven, signifying God’s relentless pursuit of mankind no matter how many times we have fallen. The video of this poem coupled with beautiful music left not a dry eye in the house, I would believe. We ended the first day in the loving embrace of our blessed Lord through having Eucharistic adoration, a more intimate bonding with God who relentlessly loves us, and a humble and heartfelt sacrament of reconciliation. A date night with the Lord indeed.
On day 2, we were reminded that following Jesus relentlessly means living loving relationships with GOd, Self, PErsons, and Life- which can be abbreviated into the acronym GOSPEL. Mass for Laetare Sunday was celebrated and during the end in which we had a round of sharing of what we were grateful for, it was evident that everyone was moved, inspired and edified by each others’ journey. Our faith was all the more strengthened and kindled when God Himself chose to make Himself present to our senses when Fr Ramon pointed out how a seemingly empty chair that was there all the while in all our sessions and prayers in one little corner is one where Jesus has been sitting with us all the time – albeit ever so gently and quietly- bringing us utter joy that our loving Lord is indeed so very close to us all the time.
The retreat ended with each one sharing on pursuing not an attitude of feeling pressured but one that is like Mother Mary’s, that is, an attitude of gratitude.
We had a lovely fellowship over lunch to conclude our get together, before we headed our separate ways- back to our families and duties, and this time, with a renewed sense of burning faith and love for the Lord and one another.
Therefore, dearest brothers and sisters in Christ, let us continue to be “relentless in our pursuit of the Lord and we will find Him if we look for Him with all our heart and soul.” (Deut 4:29) Amen.