Seeking Holiness in a Quiet Spot

Taking the time to discern our vocation or our personal need to seek holiness we are called to connect with our God. Jesus' example of prayer and teaching his followers to pray are found throughout the bible. Taking the time to make annual retreats are also an important part of our spiritual life.

"In those days he departed to the mountain to pray, and he spent the night in prayer to God." Luke 6:12

"And when he had taken leave of them, he went off to the mountain to pray." Mark 6:46

"Rising very early before dawn, he left and went off to a deserted place, where he prayed." Mark 1:35

One scripture passage that is particularly important to me is one that I chose for the first reading of my final oath mass:

"Then the LORD said, 'Go outside and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will be passing by.' A strong and heavy wind was rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD--but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake--but the LORD was not in the earthquake.

After the earthquake there was fire--but the LORD was not in the fire. After the fire there was a tiny whispering sound.

When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went and stood at the entrance of the cave. A voice said to him, 'Elijah, why are you here?'" 1Kings 19:11-13

I will be celebrating the New Year in solitude on a silent retreat . Please pray for me and know that I am praying for you. I hope you too can find some silence in order to hear God ask you "Why are you here?"