Reflection Day

November 24, 2007....... a day of election and, for about 25 Marists drawn from all the branches of our family, a Day of Reflection.

We gathered in the Colin Library at Hunters Hill with a collective sense of ‘It’s Time’.... not necessarily in a political sense, but certainly in a personal sense.... it’s time in the midst of life’s hectic schedules and demands to step back, recollect ourselves and allow our spirits to be touched by the mystery of God.

Gail Reneker SM, a Marist sister, very gently and capably facilitated this process, leading us in a reflection on the two famous Samaritans in the gospels: the Woman at the Well in John’s gospel and the heroic figure in Luke’s Parable of the Good Samaritan.

We meditatively read the texts and then allowed these two personalities to speak to us about themselves, about what had happened to them, about the encounter they experienced, as described in the gospels. Gail also provided us with evocative artistic impressions of both texts, also sources of rich contemplation.

As well as time for personal reflection, we also enjoyed sharing in small groups, culminating in the large group session where we explored the meaning of these texts in a Marist context.

The day concluded with a celebration of the Eucharist, the spirit of which beautifully captured the day.

Thanks to Gail for her preparation and facilitation of the day and to Patrick Kervin SM for presiding at our Eucharist.

Cathy Larkin