Agape

There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment, and so one who fears is not yet perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.
John 4:18-19

This past weekend I had the opportunity to go on a retreat with the Newman Club. The theme of this retreat was Agape, or unconditional love that is always giving, the love of God. We stayed at a beautiful camp on Shelter Island, NY. The house was big and beautiful. It was full of little quirks of old world charm. I fell in love. I kind of wish I could live there full time. But, I had to come back to the real world. Either way, I am incredibly grateful for the time I was able to spend pondering God’s love for me along with some wonderful people.

Photo by Bridget McCormack
Above is a picture of those who attended the Newman Retreat. For those of you who don’t know, the Newman Club is a Catholic Club that is present on most campuses that are not affiliated with a particular religion. To date, there are 31,806 Newman Centers. We were blessed to have 23 people attend our annual Fall Retreat. These are student run retreats that are centered on a particular topic of faith. As I mentioned ours was Agape. The retreat had five different topics relating to Agape where an e-board member would witness to Agape in their life. These included things like: obstacles of love, creative love, and loving others. Then we would discuss in a smaller group on how these parts of Agape related to our own faith lives.

And of course, our lovely Campus Minister was ever-present. Her love and Joy is something to be admired.

God’s beauty was also ever present. Present in those who attended and in the beautiful setting that surrounded us. I mean, check out the colors of the rocks and sea shells on the shore! The funny part is that I realized how much I need God in my own life and I need to take the time to recognize him (more) in my daily life.

Photo by Bridget McCormack

Photo by Bridget McCormack
I feel like the entire senior class enjoyed the retreat. I know that I did.

Camp Quinipet was the perfect place for my last Newman Retreat. Contemplating God’s unconditional love was something that was needed.

Beloved, let us love one another, because love is of God; everyone who loves is begotten by God and knows God.
1 John 4:7

Love and prayers,
Mary