Return to Me

A Lenten Recollection 2022
Metro South Subdivision Residents

​We had a weekend Recollection with a theme: Return to me, attended by residents of Metro South Subdivision at Gen. Trias, Cavite. The activity is a project of the MS Homeowner’s Association for the residents’ pastoral and spiritual growth in collaboration with VD Tagaytay Family, facilitated by Rachel Lumain, FMVD; Luisa Valenzuela, LCM and Mila R. Abigan, VDMD.
 
          The Recollection started with a Welcome Talk, Lui who introduced the VD community via a short video clip on “Who is Verbum Dei?” It is also an invitation to the participants to return to God! The Season of Lent is an opportune time to listen to God’s word and His message in the silence of our hearts. It is a time of conversion and looking back in our life’s journey and to ask how was our relationship with God.
         
          In the Talk of Sr. Rachel, participants were guided to recognize who God is and who they are in relation to God who created them. God’s guiding hand is always upon us, for the Lord who created us says, “Do not be afraid I will save you.” He has called us by name, we belong to Him -- an assurance that God will always be with us. “Who is God for you?” was a question that helped participants to acknowledge who God is and His presence in our lives.
 
          The last segment of the Recollection was a Dynamics on Reconciliation and God’s Forgiveness as inspired by the Story of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-32. Three important questions guided the attendees to focus on God the Father’s loving mercy and forgiveness. What have we done to reciprocate the Father’s unconditional love and forgiveness to us? Why we do the things that we do and fail to listen to the voice within?  Lastly, how have we become when we fail to listen to our conscience?  
          As culminating activity, an Examination of Conscience highlighted the kind of love that God the Father has and gives to His beloved children, and more. After some reflections, the participants wrote their sins on paper and burned them (Burning of sins). The ashes symbolize the complete forgiveness we received after we repent and reconcile with God. He transforms our sins into forgiveness and we experience new life.
 
          The Recollection ended with some of the participants sharing how they were touched by their experience of reconciliation and God’s forgiveness. One participant cited his busyness as culprit for his lack of quality time with his family. After some reflections, he realizes the value of improving his relationship with his family.
 
          As they left for home, the radiance on their faces was evident after they have experienced newness of life and God’s forgiveness!