8 Mary of the Cenacle

Start:

Allow your body and mind to slow down. Become aware of the presence of God.

Light the candle which symbolises the light of Christ.

Hope: To be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit in my life.

Begin with a brief conversation with God asking to be open for the grace which you hope for during this retreat.

Introduction:

Like Mary of the Cenacle we build community around us. In an age that is adrift spiritually, we bring the belief and vision of a new and Spirit-filled Church.

Acts 1:12-14 and 2:1-4 | The Cenacle – Pentecost

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is near Jerusalem, a sabbath day’s journey away. When they had entered the city, they went to the room upstairs where they were staying, Peter, and John, and James, and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. All these were constantly devoting themselves to prayer, together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus, as well as his brothers.

When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

First Exercise, Lectio: What does the text tell me?

Read the Scripture passage slowly, at least twice.

If a word or phrase or idea seems important, take note of it.

Second Exercise, Meditatio: What do I say to God in light of the text?

Allow the important word, phrase or idea to enter your thoughts.

Be with the words, recognising that you are in God’s presence.

Allow the Holy Spirit to lead your awareness of the words.

Third Exercise, Oratio: Prayer

Let your heart speak to God.

Use the words of the Scripture passage or the thoughts that emerged during your reflection on them.

Fourth Exercise, Contemplatio: Contemplate in silence and quiet.

Let go of words or thoughts and allow yourself to rest in the presence of God