With Jesus in the Desert: A retreat for a time of isolation

This retreat has been prepared by the staff of the Australian Jesuit Communications for the use of people who have to isolate themselves for 14 days during the Coronavirus crisis. Of course, other people who may find it helpful are also welcome to use it.

The retreat has suggestions for each of the fourteen days. It is meant to be a help – your servant and not your master. You are free to follow it through or to pick out particular days. A shorter retreat that keeps the basic pattern could involve days 1, 2, 5, 10, 11, 12, 14.

The suggestions on how to pray the retreat invite you to imagine yourself in different Gospel stories. This is a good way to pray, so worth trying out. But feel free to pray in your any way that you are comfortable with.

Each day also includes a way of reviewing your day and how your heart has been moved during it. This can be especially helpful if you are finding the time of isolation wearisome.

‘With Jesus in the Desert’ is an online retreat that has been developed for people who are in social isolation during the coronavirus pandemic. It has been designed to run for 14 days, but may be adapted and run as needed.

If you have someone to contact in any way during the retreat to speak about what is happening in your retreat and your day, that could be very helpful. If you would like to talk to one of our Spiritual Directors, please contact retreats@jesuitinstitute.org.za and we will pair you with a Spiritual Director who can meet with you online at mutually agreeable times.

Day 1: With Jesus in the desert – What matters in the desert?

Day 2: With Jesus in the desert – How much does comfort matter?

Day 3: With Jesus in the desert – How much does being in control matter?

Day 4: With Jesus in the desert – How much does being needed matter?

Day 5: With Jesus in the Flight into Egypt

Day 6: With Jesus lost in the Temple

Day 7: With Jesus telling stories

Day 8: With Jesus curing the shut-out

Day 9: With Jesus the Good Samaritan

Day 10: With Jesus as he quietens the waves

Day 11: With Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane

Day 12: With Jesus at Golgotha