After King David had his affair with Bathsheba, and he had her husband, Uriah, killed, Nathan the prophet came to him with a parable.  A rich man, who had many sheep, stole the one sheep his poorer neighbor had.  David was filled with outrage at the evil deed of the rich man.  Nathan then told David, "You are that rich man!"

Whenever we look at the terrible sin of the world, for which Jesus died on the cross, we must pause and explore that same rebellion from God in our own hearts.

The grace we turn to God for this week is that we might know our sin - completely and profoundly - so that we might know the depth of God's love for us personally.  We want to know our sin at the level of our feelings. 

What have I done?  What have I failed to do?  Habitually?  Almost instinctively?  At each stage of my life?  When, throughout my life, to this very day, have I acted independently of God?  When did I make up my own rules?  How have I been dishonest - to others, to myself?  When was I cruel or abusive?  Lustful and greedy in my desires for power, control, consumption, self gratification? To what degree have I rationalized and made excuses? How have I let my heart become cool, to God, to others?

What evil continues, because of me?  Who remains hurt or damaged because of my selfishness?  How have I been deaf to the cry of the poor?  Not wanting to get involved, convincing myself it wasn't my responsibility?  How have I insulated myself, lived in my own world, so I don't get bothered by the needs of others?  How does my comfort cost others? How have I failed to notice, to care, to investigate, to respond, to get involved, to seek for change?  Do the poor have me as an advocate for them?

This is time for deep self knowledge, with a growing desire to know, as never before, the depth of God's forgiveness and love.  This should not be depressing, but should be liberating.  For, we will discover that in our own ways we have auctioned off the cross, and really strayed far from the desires God has for us.  But we will end each day discovering that that cross signs a wondrous love that frees us from our sin.

This is indeed a week to say "thank you" and to say it with growing feeling.  In brief moments, let's tell our Risen Lord, Jesus how grateful we are, in words, with more intimate affection.

The helps to the right will be very important this week. Read each of them.  The readings and prayers are particularly rich. Be sure to view the enlarged picture.  Consider making it your desktop wallpaper.  Consider going to "A Place to Share" and sharing your graces, even anonymously.

Listen to each week of the Online Retreat
on a CD or on your mp3 player.