Finding God’s Mercy and Love in the Midst of Suffering: a Lenten Recollection Speaker: Br. Ronnell Lontayao Macaldo, TOR
INTRODUCTION introduce yourself and what are your expectations in this retreat
IGNATIAN MEDITATION find a comfortable spot within the hall. you can lie on your back or squat on the floor or anything that makes you comfortable. close your eyes and listen to my voice
GROUPSHARING
Mark 4:37-41
Real World
A great windstorm arose and the wave beat Problems came into our life, beating us left and into the boat, so that the boat was already right, testing the limits of our endurance. being swamped.
But He was in the stern, asleep on the cushion; - Natutulog ba ang Diyos? By Gary V. and they woke him up and said to Him, - Why is God punishing me? “Teacher, do you not care that we are - What have I done to deserve all of this? perishing?” - Why is God abandoning me? - If God is such a good God, why is he allowing such evil in my life? - I AM VERY ANGRY WITH GOD
Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?
THEOLOGY OF
RETRIBUTION good people get good things in life, and the bad people get bad things
old testament
“The Lord’s curse is on the house of the wicked, but he blesses the home of the righteous” - Proverbs 3:33
new testament
“They said to each other, ‘This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, the goddess Justice has not allowed him to live’” - Acts 28:4
is this really applicable to all?
what have I done to deserve this?
wala may Ginoo
what have I done to deserve this?
wala may Ginoo
God won’t give us trials we can’t handle
RECONCILIATION “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no “root of bitterness” springs up and causes trouble and by it many become defiled” - Hebrews 12:15
REFLECTIONTIME
GROUPSHARING
View of Sin Distorted by Selfrighteousness and pride My sin before God
Others’ sin against me
View of Sin Illuminated by Scripture My sin before God
Others’ sin against me
FORGIVING SIN
Forgiveness • Giving the offender mercy as Christ gives you mercy, instead of the wrath you deserve • Changing your attitude toward the offender when you realize how great God’s love and forgiveness is toward you, an offender • A decision of the will, not based on your feelings
WHEN AND WHOM DO YOU FORGIVE? “And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” - Mark 11:25
HOW CAN YOU FORGIVE As Christ has forgiven you. Completely. Repeatedly for the same sins.
SALAMAT