Prepare yourself to allow Jesus into your life

My first youth retreat was actually when I was a part-time youth minister at my parish.  I was invited to attend as an adult chaperone for the high school retreat prior to the start of school.  The retreat was scheduled to start on Friday night but I had a conflict so I volunteered to drive our parish priest up on Saturday morning and drive him back Saturday evening.  When I arrived, all of the participants and adults had already been together on Friday night and I really did not know most of them.  It was challenging to find my place so I was relieved that I was leaving early because it felt awkward to me.  I had not committed myself to fully participate in the retreat and so it did not have much of an impact on me.  
The following year, I was asked to be a part of the team preparing for the retreat and I had reservations because of my experience the previous year.  I said yes to being on the team and I committed myself to being involved in the preparation and the entire retreat.  During the preparation, I was able to develop a relationship with the rest of the adult team members.  At the retreat, I was assigned to a small group, so I was able to get to know the participants that were assigned to be in the group.  During the free time and meals, I was able to meet most of the participants and get to know them better.  But most importantly, I was fully present for Adoration on Saturday evening.  This was my first time for Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.  I do not remember Adoration coming up during my year in RCIA and I really did not know anything about it.  I did not know what I was supposed to experience but I remember that moment bringing peace to me in a way that I had never experienced.  I opened myself up and allowed Jesus to enter into my life at that moment.  This experience strengthened my faith in the Eucharist and receiving Jesus at Mass.
The difference in my first two retreats was how I prepared myself and committed myself to each retreat.  At the first retreat, I limited my participation and did not fully commit to what was happening.  In the second retreat, I opened myself up fully to the opportunity to receive God and allow him to guide me on my spiritual journey.  I had to be open to what God’s plan is for me and this can be a challenging concept.  There is no doubt that the second retreat had a profound impact in my life and helped me commit more fully to sharing my faith with others.  
Recently I attended my first Search Retreat for youth in the Archdiocese of Mobile.  Some of the participants were unsure of what to expect and hesitant to fully participate.  For some of the youth, it was their first time to be on a retreat.  For all of the participants that allowed themselves to be fully present, the weekend had a huge impact and you could see it in them when the retreat came to an end.  God can do amazing things in our life if we allow him to take control and lead us on the right path.  It is not easy and can be very uncomfortable but the joy that it brings is incredible.  The Advent season is a great opportunity to prepare yourself to allow Jesus fully into your life.
— Tex Phelps is the Director of the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry for the Archdiocese of Mobile. He may be emailed at [email protected]
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