Introduction:

At the BCBP National Leaders’ Retreat (NLR) in Tagaytay in October of this year where Chapter Heads from all-over the country converged and got to know one another, we were invited to embark on a profound exploration of the love of God. This article is based on the personal notes I have taken about the various speakers’ multitude of topics and from the printed handouts we received. My desire is to share the purpose, structure, and key elements of this contemplative experience in order to guide the members of BCBP Kalibo primarily and the public towards a deeper understanding and appreciation of the divine love that permeates our lives.

Purpose of the NLR (National Leaders’ Retreat):

The primary purpose of the NLR is threefold:

1. To be deeply aware of God’s love: The retreat aimed to cultivate a profound awareness and recognition of the immense love that God has for us.

2. To grow in loving God with all our heart: Through this process, we are encouraged to deepen our love and devotion towards the Almighty God, allowing His love to become the foundation of our service and life.

3. That the love of God be the foundation of our service and life: The ultimate goal is for the love of God to be the driving force behind our actions, shaping our entire existence and service to the divine.

Contemplation for Obtaining the Love of God

The whole retreat including the structure and key elements is basically one of contemplation or more exactly, a contemplative process. One which was inspired by the spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius. It includes:

1. Emphasizing that love is demonstrated more through actions than words, and that love is manifested in the sharing of possessions.

2. The aspiration to obtain an intimate knowledge of the gifts God shares with us, and the grace to share ourselves completely in love and service out of gratitude.

Structure of the NLR:

The NLR contemplation is organized as follows:

1. Three input sessions

2. Followed by prayer and reflection

3. Small group sharing

4. Some sharing with the larger group

Prayer and Reflection:

The contemplation begins with a focus on the creation of the universe, the self, and the special gifts of God. This reflective process is accompanied by praise, thanksgiving, and the recitation of the Sum and Suscipe¹ prayers.

Talks and Reflections:

The contemplation is structured around three key talks, each exploring a specific aspect of God’s love:

1. The Gift of Creation: Contemplating the wonder and beauty of the created world, and expressing gratitude for God’s love manifested in creation.

2. The Gift of Adoption: Exploring the even greater love of God in adopting us as His sons and daughters, making us co-heirs with Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit.

3. God Works for Me and in Me: Reflecting on how God continuously labors to sustain creation and bring divine life to its fullness within us, like a gardener caring for a plant.

Conclusion:

The NLR retreat and contemplation is a powerful invitation to deepen our understanding and experience of God’s boundless love. Through this journey of reflection, prayer, and sharing, we are encouraged to open our hearts and allow the love of God to become the foundation of our lives and service. As we contemplate the gifts of creation, adoption, and God’s active presence, we are called to respond with generosity, gratitude, and a renewed commitment to living in the light of God’s transformative love.

1. Welborn, Amy: Suscipe, The Radical Prayer, Ignatian Spirituality dotcom ↩︎