ADVENTure 2024: Growing in Relationships… with God as sole source and summit

By Joyce and Dewinta

LUNDU — As we entered the season of Advent, we were blessed with the opportunity to attend ADVENTure 2024, an Advent weekend spiritual retreat spent at The Pondok@Siru and The Coral Cottage in Sematan, from 13–15 December 2024. Facilitated by Fr Ramon Borja SDB, with the help of Kuching Archdiocesan Youth Commission (KAYC) and SEEKERS volunteers, the retreat focussed on appreciating and deepening our relationships, with God as the sole source and summit, by exploring themes like love, trust, respect, and forgiveness.

Fr Ramon emphasised that God is the cornerstone of all our relationships, whether platonic or romantic. He outlined the various relationships that shape our lives:

• Relationship with self;
• Relationship with others: our immediate family, extended relatives, partners, friends, acquaintances, and fellow believers;
• Relationship with situations: those within and beyond our control;
• Relationship with God.

Before the retreat began, Fr Ramon posed a good question: “Are we currently on an adventure, or is there one we are planning?” Amidst our hectic schedules, this question resonated deeply, prompting a reflective pause in me. It led me to contemplate several critical aspects of my life: Have I lived like Jesus? Have I contributed meaningfully to society through my career? Have I served for the greater glory of God? Have I forgiven others and myself? How can I grow deeper in my relationship with God?

Life is fundamentally about nurturing Godly relationships rather than achieving worldly success. It’s about living fully, with love, where we invest time and effort into our relationships. Forgiveness and acceptance are crucial for these relationships to flourish. At times, we may question why God allows certain trials in our lives. It is essential to remember that God does not intend to harm us; He wants to be closer to us. There is always a rainbow after the rain.

One memorable highlight for me was the segment on loving oneself, featuring the chant “Nada Te Turbe” by St Teresa of Avila. This phrase translates to “Let nothing disturb you”… reminding us that God alone suffices. The more we long for God, the more we feel God longing for us. We do not need to earn God’s love; it is freely given. The greatest joy comes from feeling at home within oneself, becoming the best version of oneself through self-care, and nurturing the child within.

Fr Ramon encouraged us to love everyone, including family, friends, acquaintances, and fellow believers. Life is short, so we should cherish those around us and never take them for granted. We are called to foster a sense of belonging, spreading love and kindness as Jesus did.

However, it is also necessary to let go of toxic relationships. While this does not mean harbouring hatred, we can maintain these relationships through acts of love, like prayer. Fr Ramon remarked that love is often sweeter the second time around. Recognising that no one is perfect, even the saints, helps us appreciate that through sin comes not only forgiveness but blessings. We hope our relationships will lead us closer to God and, ultimately, to a fuller life.

Fr Ramon introduced “Is Your Love Tank Empty?” by Bo Sanchez, a book about letting God replenish our depleted reserves of love so that we can love others from a place of abundance.

A particularly profound moment for me was during our evening of Holy Hour (which, for some of us, lasted inspirationally for hours) of prayer and adoration before the Blessed Sacrament. This was one of the most meaningful experiences of the weekend, as I felt God’s presence during my contemplation and had an intimate conversation with Him. That night, I received a sense of inner peace and clearer direction in life, learning to accept life’s uncertainties and relying on God as my source of strength.

This retreat reminded us that we are complete with God’s love. It was indeed a transformative weekend, uplifting us in our relationships.