Comings and goings, arrivals and departures, whether for a short time or a long duration, are a common part of Jesuit life. As an apostolic community, Jesuits are often on the move– taking up new assignments, assisting in ministries that complement their primary work, or traveling for a variety of purposes. A Jesuit friend and I spent the weekend on Nantucket, not only to see this lovely island as summer makes its unofficial arrival in New England, but also to spend some time together before the end of the academic year carries each of us in different directions, both apostolically and geographically. In exploring the island– small beaches, quaint villages, wildlife refuges dwarfing small cottages– along the gently rolling filaments of bike paths and two-lane roads, our conversations touched on the lessons learned in our respective classrooms, our plans and hopes for the coming months, and the various figures in our lives whom we memorialize and honor for their inspiration, influence, and witness as we each strive to live our vocations to the fullest.
The Jesuit community in which I live is also hosting a few Jesuits making their annual retreat, and the silent presence of these men as they delve into eight days of prayer, recollection, and discernment is a gentle inspiration to my own prayer life as I wrap up the year at Nativity Worcester. I’ll soon make my eight-day retreat, and although I have yet to determine where and when I’ll undertake this yearly exercise, I’m eagerly looking forward to the peace and serenity that it will offer. After another year with as many challenges as rewards, as many tough lessons as joyful accomplishments, I need plenty of time to settle, examine those events and their impact upon me, and dialogue with God about where I’m being called, led, and invited in the months ahead.
Congratulations on getting to the end of the semester! Even teachers look forward to summer vacations, right? And enjoy your retreat! I hope it's peaceful and full of God's manifold blessings!
ReplyDelete