Finding God’s Mercy And Love In The Midst Of Suffering: A Lenten Recollection

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 into the boat, so that the boat was already and right, testing the limits of our endurance. being swamped.

But He was in the stern, asleep on the - Natutulog ba ang Diyos? By Gary V. cushion; and they woke him up and said to - Why is God punishing me? Him, “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?

RETRIBUTIO THEOLOGY OF N 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 - Acts 28:4 allowed him to live’”

is this really applicable to all?

natu tulo g

b a ? a e m n g g n i h s D i n u i y p d o o s G ? is what have I done to deserve this?

? n a m a p o k a o n a g kung maay n , n o g o ang Gino a n w o gihimo ma a t o, g n n n i y a a ’ s miserable akong kina sa t an buhi?

wala may Ginoo

natu tulo g

b a ? a e m n g g n i h s D i n u i y p d o o s G ? is what have I done to deserve this?

? n a m a p o k a o n a g kung maay n , n o g o ang Gino a n w o gihimo ma a t o, g n n n i y a a ’ s miserable akong kina sa t an buhi?

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 me

Others’ sin against

View of Sin Illuminated by Scripture My sin before God me

Others’ sin against

FORGIVINGSIN

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