ReLENTless 2026
When I first decided to join the reLENTless retreat, I’ll admit that I wasn’t entirely sure what I was looking for. Life had been feeling rushed and noisy, and somewhere deep within me, I knew I needed a pause to breathe again, to step away from my busy city life and to encounter God in the stillness. So, I made the journey, travelling over 700 km from Johor Bahru to Kuching, carrying with me both uncertainties and a quiet sense of hope. I didn’t know what would unfold over the next 48 hours, but I longed for a moment of peace. What I encountered, however, was so much more, a deeply personal experience of God’s quiet, patient love.
From the moment we arrived at Adis Buan, I felt a calm that I hadn’t experienced in a long time. Surrounded by nature and by other young adults who were also searching for God in their own ways, it felt as though God was already present, waiting and ready to meet me exactly where I was. Stepping away from the constant noise of daily life made me realise how distracted I had become. I was always busy, always occupied, yet my heart had slowly drifted.
Through the talks and silent reflections, I began to recognise how gently God works. He doesn’t force His way in or overwhelm us. Instead, He speaks through silence, through people, through the small and easily overlooked moments. In those quiet spaces, I began to sense Him speaking to me personally, in a soft yet persistent whisper “Come back to Me, my child.”
The theme reLENTless resonated deeply with me. It reminded me that God’s love never tires. Even when I drift, even when I feel unworthy, even when prayer feels dry, He continues to reach out patiently and faithfully.
One of the most powerful moments for me came during adoration. Sitting before the Blessed Sacrament in silence, I felt both seen and known, yet not judged. Instead, I felt gently invited. I became aware of the areas of my life where I had relied too heavily on myself, on my plans, my worries, and my need for control rather than trusting fully in God. And yet, there was no condemnation in that moment, only a quiet reassurance: “You don’t have to have it all figured out. Just be with Me.”
That moment stayed with me. It helped me realise that Lent is not just about giving things up, but about making space for God to enter, to heal, and to quietly transform my heart. It reminded me that I am loved not for what I do, but simply for who I am.
Another aspect of the retreat that touched me deeply was the sense of journeying together. Listening to others about their struggles, doubts, and hopes reminded me that I am not alone. There was something profoundly comforting in knowing that we are all searching, all learning, all trying to draw closer to God in our own imperfect ways. It affirmed for me that faith is not meant to be lived in isolation, but within a community supporting one another and gently pointing each other back to Him.
As I left the retreat, I felt lighter, as though something within me had been quietly renewed. The world outside didn’t suddenly change, but something in my heart had. I became more attentive to God’s presence in the ordinary, simple conversations, in moments of silence, and in everyday gratitude.
What I carry with me now is a call to be relentless in my relationship with God, not in a pressured or perfection-driven way, but in a steady, faithful, and intentional one. To keep showing up in prayer even when I don’t feel like it. To trust Him even when I don’t understand. To surrender, even when it is difficult.
As I enter Holy Week, I do so with a quieter and more open heart. This retreat was not just an experience; it felt like a turning point, a gentle reminder that no matter how far I drift, God has never stopped calling me back.
I am deeply grateful to the organisers, participants, and friends who made this retreat possible. It gave me the space to pause, to rediscover my faith, and to encounter God in a way that felt real and deeply personal.
More than anything, this retreat reminded me of something I often forget: no matter how far I stray, God’s love never gives up. His love is patient, steadfast, and truly reLENTless.
I pray that the seeds planted in my heart during these days will continue to grow quietly, bearing fruit in the way I live, love, and walk with Him long after the retreat has ended.
Written by Raymond Chong Wei Liang
