“Why did you (God) choose this situation in my life when this happened to me?
Hear the beautiful answer [from St. Paul] which gives us a deep insight into God’s great and wondrous world. In order that you may have all the more mercy on me (cf. Rom 11:31-32). Do you understand what this means? He chose the condition of our weakness, first as a possibility, then as a reality, that he may have mercy upon us.
You could dwell on this for a long time. If you understand what is meant here, you will even be grateful to relive your past in this light… so that he may lavish all the more mercy and love on me.”
Father J. Kentenich
… that he might have mercy upon all. Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!
For who has known the mind of the Lord or who has been his counselor?” “Or who has given him anything that he may be repaid?” For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. (Rom 11;31-36)
Topic
Key Words
Method
Humanity is in pain. Therefore, we pray. We question, too, but to no avail. Trusting and praying do not take away our capacity, opportunity, and duty to do our part. In fact, often times that is our part. We are called to rely on the power of divine intervention. Our covenant of love with the Blessed Mother is one of the most practical ways in which we can do our part.
Because the struggle does not take away the suffering either, we need motivation or inspiration. Everyday life brings its mortifications. But, soon they loose their negative effect on the character when the person is confronted with the reality of the cross, that is, with suffering’s redemptive effect on the soul. What is the purpose of such experiences?
The gospels, our founder, and Joseph Engling give us some answers.
God seems to have taken a totally new initiative to accomplish a new beginning by affecting the micro-cosmos, of our own little lives, and the macro-cosmos of the world-wide stage.
Everyone suffers today… What purpose does suffering have?
- It purifies us,
- sanctifies us, and
- prepares us for greater graces or sacrifices.
The greatest of such graces is that of being children of God and of receiving his mercy.
In order to delve into each of these three words: purification, sanctification, and preparation for greater graces or sacrifices, we will follow a distinct format or pattern in the three days of our retreat:
- Scriptural passage followed by a
- Words from Father J. Kentenich, founder of Schoenstatt, a
- Meditation and application
- Some questions for reflection.
- A Conversation with Joseph Engling
Each session closes with a short impulse on how the Servant of God, Joseph Engling, who embodied the Schoenstatt spirituality to an eminent degree, helps us take the day’s reflection into our practical lives. On the last day, the meditation will also focus on Joseph Engling.
Schedule
Tuesday, April 7
Purification of the Heart
11 am – Holy Hour & Introduction: Threefold Purpose of Suffering
3 pm – Purification Through Suffering (Talk)
– The Importance of a Spiritual Schedule
(Conversation with Joseph Engling)
5:30 pm – Schoenstatt Cenacle
Wednesday, April 8
Sanctification of the Soul
11 am – Holy Hour
3 pm – Suffering and and the Fruits of Sanctification
– The Importance of Contributions to the Capital of Grace
(Conversation with Joseph Engling)
5:30 pm – Schoenstatt Cenacle
Thursday, April 9
Joseph Engling: Our Model for Difficult Hours
11 am – Holy Hour
3 pm – Suffering Prepares Us for Greater Graces and Sacrifices
– The Importance of Embracing Our Mortality
(Conversation with Joseph Engling)
5:30 pm – Schoenstatt Cenacle