I had the opportunity to go on a retreat with 14 other
Ithaca College Catholic Community members to Camp Casowasco in Moravia, NY
during a weekend in October. The retreat
center is a beautiful property located right on Lake Owasco. We discussed topics such as how to better
follow Jesus’ standard to how we can use it to make effective decisions. We
were given many opportunities to spend time reflecting on Bible passages. The
first activity we were asked to do was to write a short personal bio/timeline
about ourselves. On Saturday afternoon, we each had the chance to “go on a walk
with Jesus.” Both of these activities led me to see how God and Jesus have
influenced my life. No matter how difficult
the times got in my life, God and Jesus were always there to guide me through
times of darkness and provide me with a path to find my way out of troubling
times.
Self-evaluation of our relationship with God, Jesus, and our
Catholic faith made up a large part of the retreat; however, we also were given
the opportunity to discuss present issues in our world. The way that we
discussed this was first by watching “Hotel Rwanda” starring Don Cheadle,
portraying the horrors of genocide that happened in Rwanda during the
mid-1990’s. The movie brought about many
emotions, and it also brought about the discussion of human dignity. It was
very interesting and moving to hear how people reacted to such atrocities that
sometimes happen in our world. I was able to see how God can work inside our
minds by helping us realize what should be done in the world about such
tragedies such as what happened in Rwanda, and how we should act as Jesus would
to liberate those who need help.
I believe it is very important for each one of us to take time to look back on how you have lived your life so far, and whether or not it is in the standard that Jesus set for us. When you get the opportunity to get away on a retreat with others I encourage you to do so. The retreat to Camp Casowasco was a very enlightening experience for me and all
who attended. It is experiences like these that make me appreciate the Catholic
community we have built here at Ithaca College, and also make me want to
continue my faith in an active way after graduation.
