The members of the Word of God groups are already preparing for the Grand Retreats.The experience of these Grand Retreats has been lived for nearly thirty years. They are planned in environments often filled with difficulties: illness, poverty, misery, the loss of loved ones, lack of financial means, debts, heartbreaks, family problems, failure
these are the realities many people face, and yet, they remain committed to following Christ. Sometimes, our days are filled with successive waves of suffering. We also face life choices that bring us pain. Worldly attempts to restore joy during these times of suffering often prove to be short-lived sparks. Our pleasures are frequently followed by sadness.
It is in this context that Jesus brings us the Good News—the Gospel of happiness and joy. Saint Paul says: "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God" (Romans 8:28).
It is in this state that we are encouraged not only to participate in the Grand Retreat but also to prepare for it. The Good News is constantly proclaimed by Jesus in our lives. He meets us where we are to offer us perfect joy—the true joy. “I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly” (cf. John 10:10). The Grand Retreat is a moment of joy. Jesus comes with His Word to give us happiness, joy, truth, and life. “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10).
For the past thirty years, the Grand Retreat has been a time of great joy for us. Isn’t a woman joyful at the thought of soon giving birth to a child? We have experienced great peace during the Grand Retreats. We have witnessed the power of intercession and answered prayers. We have had the joy of seeing others grow and love Jesus. Let us prepare for these upcoming Grand Retreats with great joy and hope. “Hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5).
One day, I was attending a weekly Word of God meeting and listening to testimonies of the exercises in the prayer leaflet. In my heart, I thanked Jesus for giving us such a gift—the joy of pleasing Him by putting the word of God into practice. I was amazed to see these young people making small efforts each day—perhaps stumbling, perhaps falling—but still making efforts to live the Word of God. I realized how important it is to remain faithful to the Word of God. Yes, this is a sign of spiritual growth: living the Word of God, doing the will of God.
The Grand Retreat leads us into a deeper love for God. I thank God because I have witnessed this growth in many people. How many have converted! How many members have received the sacraments! How many have learned to pray, to read the Word of God, to perform acts of love to love Jesus! How many today are concerned with evangelizing! How many actively work to build the Kingdom of God, the Church, in their parishes!
But the greatest task we always have is to live the Word of God, to love. “My task, Lord, is to keep your Word” (Psalm 119:57). This is the most beautiful preparation for the Grand Word of God Retreats.
— Henri Bayemi