Gaining a Friend in Jesus

New Year’s Recollection 2022 At Verbum Dei –Tagaytay

​“Let us remember the past with gratitude, live the present with enthusiasm and look forward to the future with confidence!” (Pope John Paul II)  This quote was the theme of the Recollection attended by a group of employees from Muntinlupa led by Verbum Dei couple Allan and Lyn Geron. The Recollection was facilitated by Sr. Melaine Fuentes, FMVD and assisted by VD disciple,
Mila R. Abigan.
 
          The group came to the VD Retreat House last February 11-12, 2022. Tagaytay’s cool weather brought joyful smiles to the participants and contributed to make their activity smooth and its intended objectives achieved.
 
          There were three parts of the Recollection based on the main theme: remembering the past with gratitude, living the present with enthusiasm and seeing the future with much confidence and hope. The first part highlighted on how we need to look at our past experiences through the eyes of faith and with a wider perspective. (1 Chronicles 16:11-12) A realization that God is faithful and is always with us in every circumstance. (Lamentations 3:22-24) Our belief that God will continue to reign in our hearts is what will bring us the peace which comes from God alone. (Colosians 3:15)
 
          In the second talk, participants were guided to live out life with much enthusiasm and passion. Whatever each of us may be going through due to the pandemic and other personal situations, we need to believe that God truly loves us and wants us to be free and genuinely happy. (Ezekiel 36:26) This can be achieved if we can truly trust God whole-heartedly.
 
          The last part focused on how participants can look at their future with so much hope and trust in God. The story of Zacchaeus, the tax collector guided the attendees in seeing themselves as he was and making the necessary changes in their lives. (Luke 19:1-10) His story highlighted how Jesus does not look at our sinfulness but on His mission to save the lost and the sinners. His gaze to Zacchaeus gave him freedom and the needed transformation in his heart.
 
          The sharings made by the participants touched everyone’s heart as they opened up some painful experiences and situations they have gone through due to the pandemic and other heart-rending circumstances in their lives now. Some even shed tears as they recalled painful events like, losing a loved one or a spouse, or a relative and going-through other difficult moments.
 
          The weekend Recollection ended with the song “Trust His Heart” which served to remind the participants to trust God in all circumstances and to emulate the qualities of Jesus in their journey through the year 2022 and onwards. They went home with joy in their hearts knowing that they have gained a friend in Jesus! Amen.