Annotations 1,2,5,20
Entering a time of Spiritual Exercises
Annotation 1
The aim of the Spiritual Exercises
The text
By the term “Spiritual Exercises” is meant every method of examination of conscience, of meditation, of contemplation, of vocal and mental prayer, and of other spiritual activities that will be mentioned later. For just as taking a walk, journeying on foot, and running are bodily exercises, so we call Spiritual Exercises every way of preparing and disposing the soul to rid itself of all inordinate attachments, and, after their removal, of seeking and finding the will of God in the disposition of our life for the salvation of our soul.
"preparing and disposing the soul to rid itself of all inordinate attachments"
- What are inordinate attachments?
- Order = right direction
- vs Disorder = Wrong direction
- E.g. Acting out of love
- vs egoistically
- Affections
- Positive
- Negative
"seeking and finding the will of God"
What is God's Will?
- It's not imposed
- It's not predetermined
- Seeking salvation of our soul
-
Enter "eternal" life
-
I.e. the life of the Eternal One
-
Or living a fulfilling life according to the Gospel.
-
Annotation 2
"Sentir y gustar"
The Text
it is not much knowledge that fills and satisfies the soul, but the intimate understanding and relish of the truth.
"Sentir y Gustar"
- A retreat is not a course.
- Prayer is an encounter
- Use of all our faculties.
- Two ways of eating.
Annotation 5
magnanimity and generosity
The Text
It will be very profitable for the one who is to go through the Exercises to enter upon them with magnanimity and generosity toward his Creator and Lord, and to offer Him his entire will and liberty, that His Divine Majesty may dispose of him and all he possesses according to His most holy will.
St Paul tells us
“whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency 1 in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2Cor 9,6-8)
Annotation 20
Full attention
The Text
…Ordinarily, the progress made in the Exercises will be greater, the more the exercitant withdraws from all friends and acquaintances, and from all worldly cares…
In pratice
Questions?
