Last Sunday, I was invited to attend the Closing Ceremony of the Men’s Tres Dias Retreat.
I was honored having been with the retreatants for three days and being moved by their enthusiasm for the Lord and their compassion for one another.  Participants shared the blessing of diversity: many faith communities were represented, many ages and national backgrounds were represented, many ways of approaching their awesome God … in quiet contemplation, in song and poetry, in group and individual prayer, in creativity and resounding laughter. But one focus helped to bind these Christian men together: their love for one another and their commitment to bring His word and grace to everyone they encountered.    Their faith was REAL!

Seven men made a covenant with their Lord and gave testimony of their willingness to follow in His ways of service and unconditional love.  Their testimony brought tears to the eyes of supportive members of their Tres Dias Community. Their testimony of faith through service and the dedicated presence and service of their community  of believers and friends brought tears to my eyes.  If only, more of us could resonate with their joy and passion… what a more Christ-centered world we would experience.

I heard in my heart throughout that inspirational ceremony of faith … “We are one in the Spirit, we are one in the Lord… and they’ll know we are Christians by our love!”  I pray that you hear this song in your heart today … as your faith touches all those whose path you cross.  May our faith be REAL!

Theresina Scully, CP