The Blue mantle Retreat Photo recap

This retreat at St. Michael's in Paterson, NJ was one that was different not only in preparing for, but also in experiencing. There were some conversations with teens, and adults that are things I will be thinking and praying about for a while. One in particular is looking at Luke 1:31-35 for Mary's "YES"...

And the angel said to her in reply, “The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God.” Mary said, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.

What I noticed in preparing for this message, and was revealed even further in delivering it being with the teens was the power of Testimony.... I realized in the scripture that the very last thing the angel Gabriel says to Mary to sort of convince her of the power of God was the testimony of Elizabeth.... 

This was made more apparent to me in speaking with some of the teens during Lunch - one in particular that commented upon my storytelling and the need she personally had for that.  Specifically she had grown up in the NeoCat movement, and had some strong foundations of faith with her family, but was struggling with belief - needing more testimonies to make it all REAL for her.

I walk away from this weekend, reflecting on the influences that got me to where I am today, and praying for the grace to leave behind a testimony that will bring more to God so that more may say "YES" like Mary did.

- The Symbol
- All is Love