Introduction
Welcome
The Pastoral Reflections Institute is pleased to present Walking the Path: A 7-Day Journey with Christ—the first in a series of online micro-retreats inspired by the teachings and pastoral ministry of Monsignor Don Fischer.
For over 50 years, Msgr. Don helped countless people discover God's presence in the ordinary moments of life. Through his reflections, he invited others to see more clearly, to forgive more freely, and to walk more faithfully with Christ. It is our hope that these micro-retreats will continue that ministry by making his reflections available in a format that encourages prayer, contemplation, and everyday spiritual practice.
Over the next seven days, you will journey alongside Msgr. Don as he reflects on The Path. Together, we will explore what it means to walk with Christ through the joys, struggles, relationships, and uncertainties of everyday life. Each day's reflection builds upon the last, inviting you not only to listen, but to pause, pray, and put these insights into practice.
Whether you are beginning your spiritual journey or have been walking with the Lord for many years, we pray that this retreat helps you recognize Christ more deeply on the path before you and draws you into a closer relationship with God.
Welcome. We are grateful you have chosen to walk with us.
What to Expect
Each day, you will receive an email with a link to that day's reflection on our website. Every reflection has been thoughtfully prepared to help you spend a few quiet moments walking with Msgr. Don and reflecting on God's presence in your life.
Each daily reflection includes:
Today's Theme
A brief phrase that introduces the central idea for the day.
A Short Reading
A short "for your consideration" reflection to accompany Msgr. Don's message and prepare your heart for prayer and reflection.
Scripture Reading
A brief passage from Sacred Scripture that complements the day's theme and invites you to encounter God's Word.
Walk with Msgr. Don
A short video excerpt from the original reflection, followed by a brief summary highlighting its central message.
Your Reflection Questions
Two or three questions to help you pray, journal, or simply reflect on what God may be saying to you through the day's reflection.
Today's Practice
A simple invitation to put the day's reflection into action through prayer, attentiveness, or a small act of faith in your everyday life.
Each day's reflection is designed to take about 10 minutes to complete. Our hope, however, is that this conversation doesn't end there. As you go about your day, may these reflections continue to accompany you—shaping your thoughts, opening your heart, and helping you recognize Christ walking beside you on the path of everyday life.
ABOUT THE SOURCE VIDEO
In an effort to stay connected with those he served during the isolation of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, Monsignor Don and the Pastoral Reflections Institute produced a collection of video reflections entitled Surrender. Created during a time of uncertainty and separation, these reflections offered words of hope, encouragement, and faith to those seeking God's presence in the midst of difficult circumstances.
The source material for this online micro-retreat is the third reflection in that series, The Path.
Drawing inspiration from the Gospel account of the disciples on the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13–35), Msgr. Don invites us to see our lives not simply as a destination to be reached, but as a path to be walked. Along the way, he reflects on how Christ continues to accompany us through life's joys, struggles, relationships, and uncertainties. He reminds us that forgiveness, attentiveness, and communion are essential dispositions for walking faithfully with God and discovering the fullness of life He desires for each of us.
If you would like to revisit the Gospel that inspired this reflection before beginning, you can read:
The Third Sunday of Easter - Cycle A
Luke 24:13-35
When you have a quiet moment, watch the ten-minute reflection below. Don't worry about absorbing everything the first time. Throughout the week, we'll return to different portions of the reflection, allowing Msgr. Don's words to accompany us one step at a time as we walk the path together.
TODAY’S QUESTION:
As you watched, what one image, phrase, or idea stayed with you?
Continue the Journey
There is no right or wrong way to make this retreat.
If a particular reflection stays with you, spend as much time with it as you need before moving on. The goal isn't to finish in seven days—it's to become more attentive to God's presence in your life.
If today's reflection spoke to you, consider sharing your thoughts or experience in the comments below. You may find encouragement in the reflections of others, and your own words may become a source of hope for someone else who is walking the same path.
We invite you to journey together.