Mepkin Abbey Retreat was time to see ‘God’s hand at work’

A few weeks ago, 14 of us, mostly from St. Joseph Parish in Bound Brook, attended a silent retreat at Mepkin Abbey in South Carolina. I appreciate so much the depth and spirituality of the retreat, which was guided by the Cistercian Father Guerric Heckel and organized by Msgr. Joseph Kerrigan. Many thanks for the life and energy they put into the retreat; it was all engaging and thought-provoking.

I want to share my personal experience with Lectio Divina with you. Lectio Divina used to be part of my daily praying life, but with the busyness of my life and the responsibilities of the church, little by little, I stopped doing it. But here, God began to re-establish the lost thread to me. I enjoyed the silence in my monastery room, the short inputs, the silence at meals, and the walks, and I began to deepen in my praying life diary.

This time was incredibly good for me. This was a breakthrough for me, my life, and my ministry. I loved a breath of fresh air … It is a moment of grace that has helped set my heart on fire to what “transformation” really means and how to pray—a great awareness of the Love of God for me and each human being.

The experience of waking up early in the morning, walking to the church, and praying all the hours (Liturgy of the Hours) during the day with the monks was a touching aspect for me. What I learned during Lectio Divina is how timely God’s Word speaks into my life situations. I have encountered him myself by letting it touch me how Jesus encounters people. I have regained the joy of reading the Bible. And I heard God’s voice again, speaking to me personally and daily.

It was beautiful to see God’s hand at work not just in me but also with my other brothers and sisters from St. Joseph Church accompanying me on this path, the grounds of this blessed place, and the presence of the Holy Spirit upon us. It was beautiful to rest before God, let His words influence me, and experience His loving voice. And the good thing was: it didn’t end with that week. I had received a tool for my everyday life.

Mepkin Abbey is a place where you sit in the presence of Christ in the silence and solitude of your heart and wait.

Deacon Edgar Chaves serves in St. Joseph Parish, Boundbrook.