Drawn by Christ’s Love

Friday night at the Ignation Silent Retreat greeted me with a pleasant surprise. A friend I had invited to the retreat last weekend unexpectedly came. Before she left, she hugged me and thanked me for inviting her. Later she asked me what the next steps were to discern joining the lay movement, Regnum Christi, of which I am a member. Regnum Christi sponsored the retreat.

The joy I experience when a person I care about is attracted to something that has meant so much to me is hard to contain. Regnum Christi, which means “Christ’s Kingdom” in Latin, is simply a tool and a means to fulfill what we should be doing as baptized Catholics. Regnum Christi has given me support, structure, friendship, and focus. The women on my team and I have been meeting weekly for ten and a half years; they have become my spiritual sisters.

Often a person attracted to the Regnum Christi movement will hesitate out of fear of getting overly committed. A decision to join Regnum Christi should not be done in haste, as it is a lifelong commitment. Managing your time well must always be considered.

My practical experience has been the opposite. Joining Regnum Christi has given me back time. By knowing myself better and having greater clarity I distinguish faster when God wants me to say “yes” and when he wants me to say “no”. My life is better aligned with my values.

One of those values high on my list is “love”. In fact, “charity” is the charism of Regnum Christ. I don’t want to leave this world with any regrets on how I loved the people in my life. I am glad I did not miss out on the opportunity to share my healthy escape with my friend, who now seems to be drawn by Christ’s love and wanting more.

Catholic Women’s Guide to Healthy Relationships Tip: Say “yes” the next time you are invited to do something that might help bring you closer to God.