RE-CAP OF THE INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS:
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
(After pondering each bullet point, express your sentiments in a short prayer)
• St. Ignatius describes the Spiritual Exercises as a life style that is based on a single-minded purpose of offering oneself to God in a covenant relationship, and doing whatever it takes, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to achieve this goal. Finding and doing God's will is the only purpose of one's life.
I thank You Father for this clarity of purpose, I thank You for removing inordinate attachments in my life so truth can be revealed (consolations) through out the day.
• Discipleship is built on a personal experience of God. If change is to take place, the intimate understanding and relish of the truth is what matters, not necessarily knowing much about God.
Knowing and knowing about have completely different understanding, knowing God is experiencing God (consolations) or the lack of God (desolation)
• In # 3 St. Ignatius states that, "when in acts of the will we address God our Lord or His saints either vocally or mentally, greater reverence is required on our part than when we use the intellect in reasoning."
Thank you Lord for reminding me for the need for reverence in our conversations and our prayer life. The familiarity the world tries to give us in a way leads us away from truth even though it appears to be good. Reverence is key to our worship of You and Your Holy Family.
• In # 5, St. Ignatius emphasizes the importance of entering upon the Exercises with magnanimity and generosity toward God, and to offer Him their entire will and liberty, so that God can dispose of them and all they possess according to His most holy will. The Holy Spirit will make the impossible happen in us.
I see the impossible and am trusting in Your Holy will. Even in my times of distractions You are reminding me to stay focused on the outcome You desire. It is important that we provide the stillness and uninterrupted time as we sit together without outside influences.
• Early in the retreat, St. Ignatius suggests that you read the Rules for the Discernment of Spirits, #316-324, as well as #73-90, so that you learn to take good care of your spiritual health. The sooner you do so, the better.
Consolations that which draws you closer to God and desolations, that which draws you away. One is of God and from God, the other is not if God and we choose this path unknowingly not aware of its traps yet thinking it is good. Experiencing God will reveal these truths.
• God's will is revealed to us in the here and now. St. Ignatius asks us to adhere steadfastly to this rule of the Spiritual life: Stay in the present moment. When doing each of the weeks of the retreat, we are to give them our undivided attention without distracting ourselves about what is to come in the week(s) ahead.
Living each moment now isn't always easy, our mind wants to go the future or the past. God operates in the now, I pray for a deeper understanding so Your word produces richer meaning in my life.
• In times of difficulty in prayer, St. Ignatius advises us to add a few minutes to our stipulated time; and to make sure that we remain satisfied with our effort which is pleasing to God.
Father, the sense of hurry is distracting and is important that I avoid this it, You are all deserving of all of my senses and for me to be present to You.
• We run the risk of being hasty in making any promise or vow. St. Ignatius suggests caution and patience in making decisions when we are in consolation, and not to rush in where angels fear to tread. Gradually, the Holy Spirit will teach you what decision is the right one.
Small changes are best Father, there is much accomplished when we don't get in a hurry but are dedicated to the process, even if it is only 15 minutes a day.
• As #15 puts it, "It is more suitable and much better that the Creator and Lord in person communicate Himself to the devout soul in quest of the divine will."
Your voice is sweeter than any sage advice from another.
• Sometimes our desires, attachments, and passions will demand immediate gratification. In doing so, they will lead us into desolation. A hallmark of authentic discipleship is the spiritual practice of going against our inordinate desires and attachments, making sure that we are aligned with God's will at all times.
This is an area I need to work in for you are revealing these to me in my daily walk. I am the servant listening to the Masters voice.
• The exercitant needs to give the director an honest account of what is going on in prayer and during the day so that they can receive the proper help.
Honest reflection is the best for You Lord know the truth and nothing is hidden. Why do we want to appear better than we really are, You see all and will hold us accountable for our words. Keep me faithful to Your journey.
What is God saying to me:
• St. Ignatius describes the Spiritual Exercises as a life style that is based on a single-minded purpose of offering oneself to God in a covenant relationship, and doing whatever it takes, with the help of the Holy Spirit, to achieve this goal. Finding and doing God's will is the only purpose of one's life.
I thank You Father for this clarity of purpose, I thank You for removing inordinate attachments in my life so truth can be revealed (consolations) through out the day.
• Discipleship is built on a personal experience of God. If change is to take place, the intimate understanding and relish of the truth is what matters, not necessarily knowing much about God.
Knowing and knowing about have completely different understanding, knowing God is experiencing God (consolations) or the lack of God (desolation)
• In # 3 St. Ignatius states that, "when in acts of the will we address God our Lord or His saints either vocally or mentally, greater reverence is required on our part than when we use the intellect in reasoning."
Thank you Lord for reminding me for the need for reverence in our conversations and our prayer life. The familiarity the world tries to give us in a way leads us away from truth even though it appears to be good. Reverence is key to our worship of You and Your Holy Family.
• In # 5, St. Ignatius emphasizes the importance of entering upon the Exercises with magnanimity and generosity toward God, and to offer Him their entire will and liberty, so that God can dispose of them and all they possess according to His most holy will. The Holy Spirit will make the impossible happen in us.
I see the impossible and am trusting in Your Holy will. Even in my times of distractions You are reminding me to stay focused on the outcome You desire. It is important that we provide the stillness and uninterrupted time as we sit together without outside influences.
• Early in the retreat, St. Ignatius suggests that you read the Rules for the Discernment of Spirits, #316-324, as well as #73-90, so that you learn to take good care of your spiritual health. The sooner you do so, the better.
Consolations that which draws you closer to God and desolations, that which draws you away. One is of God and from God, the other is not if God and we choose this path unknowingly not aware of its traps yet thinking it is good. Experiencing God will reveal these truths.
• God's will is revealed to us in the here and now. St. Ignatius asks us to adhere steadfastly to this rule of the Spiritual life: Stay in the present moment. When doing each of the weeks of the retreat, we are to give them our undivided attention without distracting ourselves about what is to come in the week(s) ahead.
Living each moment now isn't always easy, our mind wants to go the future or the past. God operates in the now, I pray for a deeper understanding so Your word produces richer meaning in my life.
• In times of difficulty in prayer, St. Ignatius advises us to add a few minutes to our stipulated time; and to make sure that we remain satisfied with our effort which is pleasing to God.
Father, the sense of hurry is distracting and is important that I avoid this it, You are all deserving of all of my senses and for me to be present to You.
• We run the risk of being hasty in making any promise or vow. St. Ignatius suggests caution and patience in making decisions when we are in consolation, and not to rush in where angels fear to tread. Gradually, the Holy Spirit will teach you what decision is the right one.
Small changes are best Father, there is much accomplished when we don't get in a hurry but are dedicated to the process, even if it is only 15 minutes a day.
• As #15 puts it, "It is more suitable and much better that the Creator and Lord in person communicate Himself to the devout soul in quest of the divine will."
Your voice is sweeter than any sage advice from another.
• Sometimes our desires, attachments, and passions will demand immediate gratification. In doing so, they will lead us into desolation. A hallmark of authentic discipleship is the spiritual practice of going against our inordinate desires and attachments, making sure that we are aligned with God's will at all times.
This is an area I need to work in for you are revealing these to me in my daily walk. I am the servant listening to the Masters voice.
• The exercitant needs to give the director an honest account of what is going on in prayer and during the day so that they can receive the proper help.
Honest reflection is the best for You Lord know the truth and nothing is hidden. Why do we want to appear better than we really are, You see all and will hold us accountable for our words. Keep me faithful to Your journey.
What is God saying to me:
Dear Lord, I am amazed how You teach us to navigate through situations if we listen and respond to Your call. I thank You for the spiritual guidance in my daily circumstances, a walk with you is not just in quiet silence but also in the daily activities of life. Prayers for the daily circumstances we all face and the courage to respond in love with all those we encounter. I ask this in Jesus name, Amen.
Mary, Conceived without Sin, Pray for us.
Joesph, Glory of Home Life, Pray for us.
Viva Christo Rey
Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4b
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