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RECOLLECTION Guide

               

 

                 MONTHLY RECOLLECTION GUIDE 2025

Introduction

As Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres, we are called to be pilgrims of hope, journeying together with hearts rooted in God’s promise and eyes set on His vision. In a world filled with uncertainty, our vocation challenges us to bring Christ’s hope into every community we serve. As Spes Non Confundit reminds us, “Hope does not disappoint because the love of God has been poured into our hearts”  (Rom 5:5).

This monthly recollection guide invites us to reflect deeply on our mission, nurturing a hope that inspires and strengthens us to be active bearers of God’s light. In our faith sharing, we will engage in spiritual conversations structured in three rounds as we have already been doing. In the first round, we will listen to one another without interruption, creating a space for each person’s insights and feelings to be shared.

In the second round, we will reflect on and share on what we have heard. Finally, in the third round, we will express our personal commitments moving forward, articulating how we can embody and share God’s hope in concrete ways. May this time of reflection draw us closer to God, renew our commitment to His call, and empower us to carry His hope to those around us. Let us embrace this sacred practice, trusting that through these conversations, we will be strengthened and inspired to fulfill our mission with renewed zeal and commitment.                                                                                             

JANUARY 2025

THEME: Holy Door

INTRODUCTION: As we step into a new year, we are invited to consider the symbolism of the Holy Door, not just as an entryway into a physical place, but as a passage into deeper faith, renewed commitment, and everlasting hope. Reflect on its significance in your spiritual life, and let it inspire hope despite life’s challenges. May passing through this symbolic door open our hearts to God’s transformative grace and permeate our lives with His hope.

 

GRACE TO BEG: 

Lord  Jesus, the Door of Salvation, fill me with hope so that I may never lose sight of the life that You offer and bring that hope to others.

 Scripture Text:    John 1:35-42 

 “The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, Rabbi” (which means “Teacher”), “Where are you staying?” “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.””

CORRELATED READING: Spes non Confundit #1 par 1

The Jubilee is a moment of genuine, personal encounter with the Lord Jesus, the “door” (cf. Jn 10:7.9) of our salvation, whom the Church is charged to proclaim always, everywhere and to all as “our hope” (1 Tim 1:1).

 

POINTS TO PONDER AND PRAYER EXERCISES:

1.The call for intimacy with Christ. In John 1:39, the disciples spend time with Jesus, symbolizing intimate communion. Similarly, the Holy Door signifies deeper union with God, communion with the Church, and the life of grace Jesus offers. It’s a welcoming thresholdleading to God’s presence, inviting healing, transformation, and spiritual renewal.

         i. Ask for the grace to walk through the Holy Door, and reflect: What familiar patterns, relationships, or attachments do you need to leave behind to step out in faith and follow Christ more closely?

       ii. What can you do to make time for a deeper connection with Christ, especially during this moment of grace in the Jubilee Year?

2.The call to lead others through the Door. In Spes Non Confundit, the Church is urged to spread this living hope to everyone. Jesus, the Door of Salvation, offers eternal life and this hope should influence our actions, words, and relationships. Reflect on how you can actively help others encounter Jesus, the Door of Salvation and hope of the world.

POINTS FOR SHARING:

  1. Share what God is calling you to leave behind as you stand before the ‘Holy Door’ He is opening for you, and how you will intentionally help others encounter Christ during this Jubilee Year.
  2. Suggest a community initiative for this Jubilee Year where you can come together to experience God’s grace and share the hope of salvation with others through acts of service.