The spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius : $b adapted to an eight days retreat and six triduums in preparation for the semi-annual renovation of the vows, all for the use of Jesuits onlyCoppens, Charles
Religion
The spiritual exercises of St. Ignatius : $b adapted to an eight days retreat and six triduums in preparation for the semi-annual renovation of the vows, all for the use of Jesuits only
_Meekness_ is emblemized by the gentlest of animals, the tender lamb;
and Christ was figured in the Old Testament by the sacrifice of the
lamb, and proclaimed in the New Testament by St. John the Baptist with
the words: “Behold the Lamb of God” (St. John i, 29). This is not the
characteristic virtue of a warrior, such as St. Ignatius had been; but
he had laid aside that garment of his youth and instead had put on
Christ, as St. Paul teaches us to do, saying:
“Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ” (Rom. xiii, 14). We must do the same.
_Humility_ is most conspicuous throughout the life of Christ; it must be
the foundation of all our spiritual life: “He emptied himself, taking
the form of a servant” (Phil. ii, 7).
3. _Like Christ in our practical reason_, taking God’s view of all
things, in opposition to the views of the world. The whole outlook on
life of a good religious is very different from the outlook of the
worldling. Therefore the world hates us: “If you had been of the world,
the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but
I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you” (St.
John xv, 19). How can we acquire this unworldly spirit, which is the
spirit of Christ? By meditation, spiritual reading, all manner of
prayer, recollection, spiritual conversation, etc. Are we making earnest
efforts on these lines? Do we avoid profane reading as far as our labors
allow? Novels and newspapers are full of the spirit of the world, and so
is unnecessary conversation with most seculars.
4. _Like Christ in our wills_, which should be ever intent on promoting
the glory of God and ever zealous to procure the salvation of souls. Our
zeal should cause us to labor hard, wherever an opportunity can be found
to further the great purpose of our Society, the greater glory of God.
_Colloquy_ with our dear Lord, asking for light and grace to make
ourselves more like unto Himself.
MEDITATION IV
Christ Is Here to Help Us
_1st Prelude._ Realize the fact that Christ is present on the altar, and
hear Him say: “Behold, I am with you all days” (St. Matth. xxviii, 20).
_2nd Prelude._ Ask for a lively faith in Christ’s presence in our midst,
and a firm confidence in His loving assistance.
_POINT I._ _In what sense is Christ present on the altar?_
1st. _Substantially_, personally, body and soul, God and Man. Make a
firm act of faith, adore Him, lovingly thank Him.
2nd. _As our helper_: “Come to me, all ye that labor and are burthened,
and I will refresh you” (St. Matth. xi, 28). He will help us in
attaining the purpose for which He has brought us to the Society, to
perfect our souls and to save others; in particular to bless the work of
this renovation of spirit. In Him we can do all things: “I can do all
things in him who strengtheneth me” (Phil. iv, 13). Ask eagerly for a
thorough renovation. Examine whether your visits are fervent enough.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account