By Charlie Young, contributing writer
The season of Lent in upstate New York is typically a time meteorologically marked by cold, grey days that produce barren landscapes yearning for new life. It’s not unlike a desert, the spiritual metaphor that Christ the King Retreat House is focusing on to bring renewal to anyone needing such graces this February.
The Retreat House invites you join retreat facilitator Meg Castellini for a Lenten journey. Overnight guests and daily commuters are welcome. This retreat will offer opportunities to experience streams of life in the desert through prayer and reflection upon familiar desert scenes in Scripture.
“This Lenten season it is important to take time to pause, reflect, and renew our faith,” retreat house executive director Joan Spector shares. “The imagery of the desert often depicts an empty, dry, lifeless environment. However, the desert — or wilderness, as often referred to in the Bible — is actually a place where God’s presence is waiting to commune with weary travelers.” Spector reminds us that “Abraham, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David and even Jesus spent significant time in the desert.” She adds that the experience will spark reflection on images such as “streams of life” from Isaiah (35:6) that remind us of the life-giving water that Christ speaks of, that “bubbles up within our souls” she adds.
Meg Castellini
Spector is especially excited to have Castellini as the retreat leader. “Meg Castellini has been offering retreats throughout the Diocese of Syracuse for 17 years. Each retreat offers participants an invitation to delve deeper into selected scripture passages and experience God’s presence through prayer and conversation with others. Meg’s passion is to create opportunities that illuminate God’s love in the midst of our daily lives.”
Gain valuable insight on how to tap into streams of life during our desert seasons. Spector invites all to “Come and be refreshed!” Dates are Friday, February 23 with check-in at 5PM through Saturday the 24th concluding with Mass at 4PM. The offering for the program is $150 for overnight guests and $120 for commuters.
Register online at https://christthekingretreathouse.secure.retreat.guru/program/lenten-retreat/?lang=en
