ONE STEP BACK, TWO STEPS FORWARD

Every once in a while, things become overwhelming. Stress and pressure take over, and your problems seem to be never-ending. It is there that we question and put faith to the test. However, with those questions come answers that lie when we take a step back.

Written by: Aira Mae Lao

Layout by: Unna Lhy Buenaventura

January 20, 2024 | 1:15 P.M.

Before a battle begins, the military gathers to formulate a plan. Amid the battle, when things are rough, everyone retreats and formulates a new plan. Changing the plan but never the goal is the essence of retreats. 

For the Catholic Church, spiritual retreats have existed long before the 20th century. St. Ignatius of Loyola popularized this activity. He wrote spiritual exercises containing meditations and prayers published in 1548. As a result, Pope Pius X declared St. Ignatius the patron saint of spiritual retreats and soldiers in 1922.

The concept of a spiritual retreat does not only revolve around rest and relaxation. They involve getting deep into one's self, spiritual awareness, time, and faith. The relationship with the self is also related to the relationship with peers, hence people are encouraged to ask one another to clarify misunderstandings and make amends. This is what makes retreats often an eye-opening experience as it not only focuses on the present but the past as well. Past ties that were once forgotten are brought back together and strengthened, but peace is reconciled as a whole.

Which also points to one’s awareness of time. How it really does take effect and what it can bring. With time comes reconciliation as well as unspoken words. Certain topics tend to go undiscussed as so much time has passed but in the context of a spiritual retreat, all the things kept frozen in time are thawed and brought up. Tears can and will be shed in these moments, but they bring comfort and reassurance to the present self.

Time can also be an excuse to delay oneself from thinking of deep and emotional thoughts which may do more bad than good. Ignoring the thoughts of the past leads to habits of avoidance in the future, which may lead to the overall decision that “Ignorance is bliss” will work in every scenario. Retreats intend not to bring up the past for reminiscing but bring up the past for clarity. For a student, having peace with the past both with others and the self makes stepping forward easier as there is nothing to think about in the past that can’t be brought with them to the present. 

Lastly, retreats help the faith on a deeper level. It does not push what role God does play in life but helps each person decide what role God plays in their lives. For some, God may have been their Savior. For others, God may have been their guide. However, faith is a concept that does not need nor can be taught. Faith, for each person, is a God-given choice. One can believe, but not be faithful. One can be faithful, but also not believe. God is within each person, but through the freedom He has given, the decision for Him to remain lies with us. Spiritual retreats allow room for realization of what faith is for a person, as faith is more than just believing and making time for God, it is making Him a part of oneself. A part of the person by choice and commitment.

The people who are helped the most with a retreat aren’t the speakers who guide the people through it, but those who fully give their all. After a retreat, one is expected not to instantly do better, but to know themselves and God. Like an arrow that needs to retreat to move forward, spiritual retreats allow Catholics to take a few steps back to tread the long path ahead. Retreats make a person more than just a person on Earth with life, but a child of God with faith.