This retreat, With Jesus in the Desert, has been prepared by the staff of Jesuit Communications for the use of people who have to isolate themselves for 14 days during the Coronavirus pandemic. Others, particularly those who are living under lockdown, may also find it helpful – and all are invited to participate in whatever way is most helpful.
The retreat has suggestions for each of the fourteen days. It is meant to be a help – your servant and not your master. You are free to follow it through or to pick out particular days. A shorter retreat that keeps the basic pattern could involve days 1, 2, 5, 10, 11, 12, 14.
The suggestions on how to pray the retreat invite you to imagine yourself in different Gospel stories. This is a good way to pray, so worth trying. But feel free to pray in your own way, the way in which you are most comfortable.
Each day also includes a way of reviewing your day and how your heart has been moved during that day. This can be especially helpful if you find the time of isolation wearisome.
You may find it helpful to have someone with whom to share your retreat experience, and speak with about your day. Jesuit and Ignatian Spirituality Australia can put people in touch with experienced spiritual directors for one-to-one spiritual direction. For enquiries, please contact 1300 EXAMEN (1300 392 636) or email info@jisa.org.au.
Day 1: With Jesus in the desert – What matters in the desert?
Day 2: With Jesus in the desert – How much does comfort matter?
Day 3: With Jesus in the desert – How much does being in control matter?
Day 4: With Jesus in the desert – How much does being needed matter?
Day 5: With Jesus in the Flight into Egypt
Day 6: With Jesus lost in the Temple
Day 7: With Jesus telling stories
Day 8: With Jesus curing the shut-out
Day 9: With Jesus the Good Samaritan
Day 10: With Jesus as he quietens the waves
Day 11: With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane
Day 12: With Jesus at Golgotha
