Last evening, after four days "on the mountain top," as spiritual directors call the time away from one's usual day-to-day living, I return refreshed both in the spirit and somewhat in body -- my never ending cold seemed to find its way back to me just before beginning the retreat.
The retreat house, located in Faulkner, MD, sits high above the Potomac River, a couple of miles north of the Rt 301 bridge from MD to VA. The times for gathering together with other priests from the Archdiocese in fraternity and in prayer were the true refreshers along with our director, Fr. John Haughey, SJ (pronounced Hoy as in toy, boy, Roy whatever).
The principal theme of the retreat meditations was the humanity of Jesus. It was truly eye opening to consider Jesus in light of Fr. Haughey's insights which were truly brilliant and jarring at the same time. I believe this Jesuit might be one who truly reflects the years of study and prayer in ways that challenge anyone to open up one's mind and heart to the words of scripture. Something of a picture of Fr. Haughey, on the right, with another priest during a lecture at Seton Hall.
