Post-Retreat Haze
I'm coming off of leading two retreats this past weekend, and as always, my body and spirit are in a bit of a haze. I like to think of it as remnants of the grace of God still washing over me. During one talk I gave, about how our identity and dignity is rooted in Christ, I asked each small group to rewrite a section of two psalms (highlighting the dignity and beauty of our created humanity) in their own words.
They initially thought the exercise would be beyond them, but as they engaged in the activity, something wonderful happened. They began to break open the Word of God and, in turn, break open their own lives, the personal history of God's grace incarnated in their experience.
The most gratifying comment came from one small group who said that they had heard that Psalm before (139), but that they never really understood that the words of the psalm applied to them, that they were treasured by God, until now.
Our God is so amazing!
posted by Keith Strohm @ 8:54 AM
2 Comments
2 Comments:
That is a wonderful idea! How empowering for the participants, to see that they can do it.
One of my favorite songs off of one of my favorite CD's is a psalm rewrite: Jars of Clay Redemption Songs "Let us love and sing and wonder." It is transcendentally beautiful.
I'm a big Jars of Clay fan myself! Good taste in music there! :)
I'm always amazed at how hesitant Catholics can be to engage with scripture, and humbled by how deeply they eventually engage with the Word of God. Being a Retreat Director is a pure joy!
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