The Well: Encountering Jesus, Finding Ourselves

On the first night of retreat, we will simply have an Encounter with Jesus at the well, joining our sister as she travels in the heat of the day to simply gather that which she needs.  We will begin the retreat by simply arriving together at the place where Jesus is awaiting us, sharing the experience of encountering him in the midst of our everyday activities, and realizing that he has a conversation he wants to have with us.  Together, we ready ourselves for that encounter.

The morning conference of the first full day of retreat will allow us to reflect on Water and Wells.  When we are craving something life-giving, when we are thirsty for something more, what is the water we seek?  What is the water we need?  What is the water Jesus provides?  And finally, what are the true sources of that water, the wells at which we find ourselves when we go in search of refreshment?

The afternoon conference on this day will focus on Buckets and Disciples.  When we travel to the well, we bring a vessel with which to carry that which is given.  What in us needs filling, and how do we receive that which Jesus offers us?  Are we able to engage in such a way that we ourselves become a receptacle for the life-giving words of Christ?  Can we accept the words he offers and in turn speak them to our own communities?  What is the quality of our receptivity to the encounter?

On the last day of the retreat, a presentation on Coming & Becoming will ready us to be sent back into our own realities, drawing meaning from our encounter with Jesus, realizing that coming to the well has provided us an invitation to become someone new, someone transformed by the experience we’ve had.  We have not just received water, we have received a commission to proclaim that Coming to the well fills us so that we are forever Becoming ever-more faithful disciples of Christ.

During our retreat The Well: Encountering Jesus & Finding Ourselves, we will have time to celebrate the sacraments of Eucharist, Reconciliation, and Anointing of the Sick, as well as time to gather in silent prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

King’s House invites you to come and explore the quiet and hospitality of our center and grounds, where we continue to practice the recommended COVID-19 protocols for the wellbeing of all.  We hope you will find time to wander the footpaths and enjoy nature, find a quiet nook to read, listen to God’s voice in scripture, music, conference presentations, and silence.  In all this, may you be filled and refreshed, receiving the life-giving water that is Jesus himself.