Fr. Richard OMOLADE

Lent is a special season for Christians as it involves prayer, fasting and almsgiving. This is not our daily routine, but it prepares us for true repentance, change of habits and conformity to God’s will. These activities are meant to take us out of our old habits and help in the cultivation of new ones, habits that allow grace to grow and holiness to abound even more. Various groups also embark on what is called Retreat during this period. Retreats offer participants a more opportune time to be solely devoted to spiritual matters as they practically retreat from the world or their usual environment and activities and leave themselves open for spiritual engagements.

A retreat is a programme of activities specifically designed for participants to evaluate their life in the light of God’s word. It demands that people retreat, that is, step back from their ordinary activities and evaluate the events in their life with the eyes of faith. This withdraw is not an indication of defeat or capitulating. It is a strategic move, to evaluate where we are, what we are doing and plan afresh to be more productive and properly aligned to God’s will.  Retreat, therefore, should not be a one-off event. Christians must retreat as often as possible but always putting themselves under the shadow of God’s protection. With the current state of the world, it is imperative that Christians heed those words of Christ that “You are in the world, but not of the world.” This awareness will impress on us the necessity to withdraw from the world, especially from dangerous situations, to get our sanity back and to place ourselves under the protection of God.

Retreating is also an ancient military tactic. In the face of defeat or greater force, an army will assess its chances of success and realize that going forward may bring more disaster than success, the army retreats to plan for a new course of action. The army does not retreat too far away as to become disengaged in the battle. Remember, he who runs away, lives to fight another day.” The devil does not stay silent for long, hence our retreat is to get the opportunity to plan afresh a new course of action that is most likely going to get the work done. During the time of retreat, we need to focus on God because the battle we face is spiritual not physical, it is against thrones and principalities, not flesh and blood. We need the cover of God and during our retreat, we should draw closer to God. During this time, we listen to God, we learn to see things with the eyes of God and then resolve to do things the way God has commanded because we know him to be good, wise and faithful.

There is also some don’ts of retreats. If we want to retreat, let us retreat. Hence, retreat time is not the time to finish our pile up work. Retreat time is not to get extra sleep. Rest when the need arises, but we need to stay awake at retreat so that we are not caught unprepared. Retreating time is not the time to catch up on old friends. Hence, it is not the time to begin to call the people you have not been in touch with. Rather it is time to call on God, and this we do through intensive prayer. Retreating time, quiet as it is, is not the time to discuss politics and social issues with friends. Yes, these may be topical and urgent issues, but they distract you, they are likely to lead to arguments and conflicts, and these are not the goals of retreat.

The activities of a good retreat are usually planned for ahead of time, so that participants can remain on task and not be distracted. Hence, things should be planned in such fashion as to give time for sufficient rest, personal meditation, prayer time, and individual time. In many retreats, there are designated time to listen to talks and pray along with others. Many retreats also emphasize the importance of silence. Silence helps us to reflect on many issues and gives us the opportunity to evaluate ourselves more critically.

Retreating should bring growth, hence after a retreat, it is important to document what took place during the retreat, what you gained and what you intend to do about it. This is called journaling.  This becomes a template for future action, and then later, evaluate yourself on what you have documented.

Retreats lead us to our true self, to the real person God made us to be. Hence, retreats should not just be ceremonial but tonic for our soul. It is this truth that made Norman Vincent Peale to say that “Masterly retreat is in itself a victory”, a victory for the soul. So let us retreat, re-evaluate and redirect our actions to their proper end and our soul will be happy and life become meaningful. We retreat to avoid the devil and its temptation, but ultimately, we retreat to accomplish our goal, journeying with Christ, to our true home in heaven. If withdrawing from the world is what it takes for individuals to be saved, so be it! The decision is yours, and your disposition at retreat is also entirely yours.