Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius

     I am not Roman Catholic, nor ever have been, but I’ve always appreciated much that the tradition has offered me as a Christian--the history, the saints and the rich gifts of the various religious orders, to name a few. I’ve read and studied the Rule of St. Benedict and am attracted to it’s invitation to hospitality and living in community. The stories of St. Francis helping the poor are compelling, especially, I must confess, because of my love of Assisi and the Umbrian countryside, and of Giotto’s frescoes in the Church of St. Francesco.

     But for me, I have gained my deepest religious strength from the Society of Jesus, specifically from the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, founder of the order, often referred to as the Jesuits. A few years ago I explored, studied, or more to the point, I prayed the Spiritual Exercises with a church lay group. It was a pivotal experience in my life of prayer and in my faith journey.

     I am now returning to those exercises, the catalyst being the book, The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) Everything, by James Martin, SJ., suggested to me by a friend. How’s this for the introductory to the Spiritual Exercises?

       “Human beings are created to praise, reverence, and serve God our Lord, and by means of doing this to save their souls.”

       It’s exciting to begin again. Let the exercises begin!

---