Reflecting on Lent through the Poetry of Mary Oliver
“On the outskirts of Jerusalem, the donkey waited. Not especially brave, or filled with understanding, he stood and waited.” ~Mary Oliver
Have you ever wondered about the donkey who carried Jesus on that triumphant, palm-waving journey into Jerusalem? Was he merely a practical choice, or does his quiet presence offer something more to consider during the Lenten season? Or perhaps you’ve pondered what the people on the hillside must have felt when a bounty of fish and bread was suddenly provided to take away their hunger pains. And what about the disciples who could not stay awake?! Oh, what they must have felt like in the morning. Mary Oliver, beloved poet and spiritual guide of the ordinary, invites us into these sacred moments with her deep noticing and provocative wonderings. Her poetry opens our hearts to the small, overlooked details and invites us to care more deeply, to wonder more freely, and to listen with greater attention. In this day-long retreat, we will engage with selected poems by Mary Oliver in anticipation of Holy Week. Our rhythm for the day will include sacred reading and deep listening, introductions to simple spiritual practices to accompany our personal reflections and responses, and time to share with one another in sacred community. Come with your curiosity, your longing for a spacious day, and your desire to see with fresh eyes in this season. Let the poetry of Mary Oliver be a lantern as we walk with Jesus — and a humble donkey — on the road to Jerusalem. Lunch is included. Guided by Lorie Conway.
Lorie Conway, MA, Spiritual Companion has a passion for deep listening and accompanying others on their spiritual journeys through spiritual companionship, contemplative small groups, and spiritual retreats. Lorie received her certificate in spiritual direction from the Kairos School of Spiritual Formation and holds a master’s degree in Religion from Lancaster Theological Seminary and a master’s degree in Behavioral Management & Human Resources from Johns Hopkins University. Lorie is on the programming staff at Well for the Journey and is the director of the Transforming Community: Leading Contemplative Spiritual Groups & Retreats program at the Shalem Institute for Spiritual Formation. Lorie’s spirituality is rooted in the Christ tradition and is welcoming of the many paths and unique journeys enfolded within Divine Mystery.