Eight Days Ignatian Retreat...Here is a proposal for an eight-day retreat of Spiritual Exercises...
Transcript of Eight Days Ignatian Retreat...Here is a proposal for an eight-day retreat of Spiritual Exercises...
EightDaysIgnatianRetreatWiththeUniversalApostolicPreferences
DearFriendsHereisaproposalforaneight-dayretreatofSpiritualExercisesfollowingIgnatianspiritualitywithaspecialemphasisontheUniversalApostolicPreferences.EachdayIsuggesttwoprayersheets.Latertheretreatanswiththeirsiritualdirectorswilladaptthemtotheirneedsandtotheirownrythmofpausesandrepetitions.Theschemeofeachprayersheetisapproximatelyasfollows:
• Theimage• TextsoftheSacredScriptureandIgnatiantradition• ThegraceIwishtoaskfor• Prayerguidelines• Colloquy
TheideaistomoveforwardaccordingtothedynamicofthefourweeksoftheSpiritualExercises.IwantedtoincludesomereferencestotheUAPs.TheywillguidethemissionoftheSocietyofJesusinthenexttenyears.Idonotintendtoleavetheproposalsforprayerclosed.Eachpersonhashisorherownwayofpraying.Iwouldratherliketosharesomeimagesthatcanhelpeachone'sspiritualjourney.ItisanadventureintheSpiritthatasksforourconversiontoenjoythisgiftreceivedintheUAPs.Retreatantswillhavetoadaptthecontentswiththeirspiritualdirectorsaccordingtopersons,placesandtimes.MaytheLordbewithyou,guideyouandblessyoualways.
JosédePablo,SJ
DAY0-Arrival 1–MylifeoffaithasaRiverReviewoflastyearDAY1 2Letyourlightshine:TheFirstPrincipleandFoundation 3ReceivingtheUniversalApostolicPreferences:TheneedofconversionDAY2 4Hellsituation:AworldwithoutUAP 5WithEyesofMercy:ReconciliationDAY3 6-TheCallinMotionThecalloftheEternalKing:UAPsasaCall 7Incarnation,GodMovesFirstContemplationoftheIncarnationDAY4 8ThepreferencesofJesus:Hisfirst30yearswithus:Contemplatingthehiddenlife 9GuidedbytheSpirit:TemptationsandtheTwoStandardsDAY5 10ContemplatingHisLifewiththeeyesoftheUAPs 11TheimageofGodFromtheLastSuppertoGethsemaneDAY6 12TheconsequencesofHisPreferences.ThreeJudgements:Social,Political,Religious 13ThesevenlastsayingsofJesusontheCrossDAT7 14WordsofResurrection:ContemplationsoftheResurrection 15AllinthesameboatwithHim.DAY8 16AttainingLove:Contemplationtoreachlove 17Anexerciseofreform:Prayfromgratitudeandforgratitud.
UAPRetreatDay0Exercise1
MyLifeasaRiver
Text:John,4,7-15AwomanofSamariacametodrawwater.Jesussaidtoher,“Givemeadrink.”Hisdiscipleshadgoneintothetowntobuyfood.TheSamaritanwomansaidtohim,“Howcanyou,aJew,askme,aSamaritanwoman,foradrink?”(ForJewsusenothingincommonwithSamaritans.)Jesusansweredandsaidtoher,“IfyouknewthegiftofGodandwhoissayingtoyou,‘Givemeadrink,’youwouldhaveaskedhimandhewouldhavegivenyoulivingwater.”[Thewoman]saidtohim,“Sir,youdonotevenhaveabucketandthewellisdeep;wherethencanyougetthislivingwater?AreyougreaterthanourfatherJacob,whogaveusthiswellanddrankfromithimselfwithhischildrenandhisflocks?”Jesusansweredandsaidtoher,“Everyonewhodrinksthiswaterwillbethirstyagain;butwhoeverdrinksthewaterIshallgivewillneverthirst;thewaterIshallgivewillbecomeinhimaspringofwaterwellinguptoeternallife.”Thewomansaidtohim,“Sir,givemethiswater,sothatImaynotbethirstyorhavetokeepcomingheretodrawwater.”
CompositionIimaginemylifeasariverandItrytoidentifywheretheflowofLifehasbeenleadingmethroughoutthepastyear.AskingforGraceIaskfortheinnerknowledgeandfreedomtoopenmyselftodiscovertheworkofGodinmeandintheworldaroundmeinthepastyear.
Guidelinesforprayer● Itrytodrawmylastyear’sriver,usingtheimageofwaterasasymbolofthepresenceoftheSpiritofGodin
mylifeandinmywork.Itrytofindtheimagewhichbestdescribestheselastmonths:flowingwater,dessert,waterfall,fountain,irrigation,etc…
● IimagineJesuscontemplatingmyownriverandaskingmeforwatertodrink.Whathasmademefeeldryor
freshthroughoutthisyear?
● IasktheLordforthewaterIneedforthisretreat,forthecomingdays,months,year,forothers…ColloquyIpresentallthistotheLordandtalktohimaboutthepointsthatprovokethestrongestinnermovementsinme.IaskHimtogivemethespringofwaterwellinguptoeternallife.Otherbiblicaltextaboutwater:Gen1,2.Nowtheearthwasformlessandempty,darknesswasoverthesurfaceofthedeep,andtheSpiritofGodwashoveringoverthewaters.Is.12,3.Withjoyyouwilldrawwaterfromthewellsofsalvation.Is.44,3.ForIwillpourwateronthethirstyland,andstreamsonthedryground;IwillpouroutmySpiritonyouroffspring,andmyblessingonyourdescendants.Is.58,11.TheLORDwillguideyoualways;hewillsatisfyyourneedsinasun-scorchedlandandwillstrengthenyourframe.Youwillbelikeawell-wateredgarden,likeaspringwhosewatersneverfail.Ez.36,25-26.Iwillsprinklecleanwateronyou,andyouwillbeclean;Iwillcleanseyoufromallyourimpuritiesandfromallyouridols.Iwillgiveyouanewheartandputanewspiritinyou;Iwillremovefromyouyourheartofstoneandgiveyouaheartofflesh.Am.5,24.Butletjusticerollonlikeariver,righteousnesslikeanever-failingstream!Psalm63,1.You,God,aremyGod,earnestlyIseekyou;Ithirstforyou,mywholebeinglongsforyou,inadryandparchedlandwherethereisnowater.Mt.10,42.Andifanyonegivesevenacupofcoldwatertooneoftheselittleoneswhoismydisciple,trulyItellyou,thatpersonwillcertainlynotlosetheirreward.”Jn.7,37-38.Onthelastandgreatestdayofthefestival,Jesusstoodandsaidinaloudvoice,“Letanyonewhoisthirstycometomeanddrink.Whoeverbelievesinme,asScripturehassaid,riversoflivingwaterwillflowfromwithinthem.”Rev21,6.Hesaidtome:“Itisdone.IamtheAlphaandtheOmega,theBeginningandtheEnd.TothethirstyIwillgivewaterwithoutcostfromthespringofthewateroflife.
UAPRetreatDay1Exercise2
LettheLightShine
THEFIRSTPRINCIPLEANDFOUNDATION
TheGoalofourlifeistolivewithGodforever.God,wholovesus,gaveuslife.OurownresponseofloveallowsGod'slifetoflowintouswithoutlimit.AllthethingsinthisworldaregiftsfromGod,presentedtoussothatwecanknowGodmoreeasilyandmakeareturnoflovemorereadily.Asaresult,weappreciateanduseallthesegiftsofGodinsofarastheyhelpustodevelopaslovingpersons.Butifanyofthesegiftsbecomethecenterofourlives,theydisplaceGodandsohinderourgrowthtowardourgoal.
Ineverydaylife,then,wemustholdourselvesinbalancebeforeallofthesecreatedgiftsinsofaraswehaveachoiceandarenotboundbysomeobligation.Weshouldnotfixourdesiresonhealthorsickness,wealthorpoverty,successorfailure,alonglifeorashortone.ForeverythinghasthepotentialofcallingforthinusAdeeperresponsetoourlifeinGod.Ouronlydesireandouronechoiceshouldbethis:IwantandIchoosewhatbetterleadstoGod'sdeepeninghislifeinme.
(St.IgnatiusasparaphrasedbyDavidL.FlemingSJ)
AskingforGraceIaskfortheinnerknowledgeofthelightofGodinme,andhowitmakesitselffeltinmylifesoastobeabletoloveandservetheLordatalltimes.Texts:
▪ Genesis1:3-5-AndGodsaid,“Lettherebelight,”andtherewaslight.▪ John1:1-14-Inhimwaslife,andthatlifewasthelightofallmankind.Thelight
shinesinthedarkness,andthedarknesshasnotovercome…▪ John8:12“Iamthelightoftheworld,”Hesaid.“Whoeverfollowsmewillhave
the lightoflifeandwillneverwalkindarkness.”▪ Matthew5:14-16-“Youarelikelightforthewholeworld.Acitybuiltonahillcannotbehid.Noonelightsa
lampandputsitunderabowl;insteaditisputonthelampstand,whereitgiveslightforeveryoneinthehouse.Inthesamewayyourlightmustshinebeforepeople,sothattheywillseethegoodthingsyoudoandpraiseyourFatherinheaven.
GuidelinesforprayerYoucanchoosebetweendifferentapproaches:
● ReadslowlycalmlythePrincipleandFoundationandtrytodiscovertheareasinyourlifethatareenlightenedbyGod'slight.
● YouarepartofacovenantthatGodhasmadewithussincethebeginningoftime,
goingbacktoAbraham,Isaac,Jacob,Moses,David...Jesus...Peter,Paul...Ignatius...andthetorchhasnowbeenpassedontoyou.Receivethislightasalegacyandreflectonhowithasenlightenedyourlifetothisday.Givethanksforallthosewhohavepassedonthistorchtoyou.
● EverythinginourlifeisagiftfromGod.Withourgiftsandchoiceswecanenlightenthe
worldorleaveitindarkness.Godisformelikeabeaconthatilluminatesandguidesmethroughlife.LetmetakeamomenttothankHimformyareasoflightandaskHimtohelpmegettoknowbettermyareasofdarkness.
ColloquyIthanktheLordforthegiftsIhavereceivedinmylife,forthosewhohandedthemtomeandforthelightIamabletobring.
UAPRetreatDay1Exercise3
ReceivingtheUniversalApostolicPreferences
TheImage:Justlikeinancientracesachariotwasdrivenbyfourhorses,theSocietyofJesushasreceivedthefourUniversalApostolicPreferencestohelpitmoveforwardtowardsreconciliationandjustice.Thisisthetargetpromotedbythe36thGeneralCongregation.ThelaunchingoftheUAPshasbeenalong-termandextensivediscernmentprocessfortheentireSocietyofJesus.FatherGeneralArturoSosapresentedthefruitsofthisdiscernmenttoPopeFranciswhoapprovedandconfirmedthem.FatherGeneralinsistedthatthefourUniversalApostolicPreferencesshouldadvancetogetherandbeguidedbyabasicdispositionofdiscernment,conversionandintellectualdepth.
AskingforGrace:IaskfortheinteriorknowledgeofthegiftreceivedintheUniversalApostolicPreferencesasthefruitofacommunaldiscernmentofthewholeSocietyofJesusguidedbytheHolySpiritandconfirmedbythePope.Texts:
● Proverbs2:1-9Myson,ifyoureceivemywords…FortheLORDgiveswisdom,…Guardingthepathsofjustice
● John15:4-5Remaininme,asIremaininyou.Justasabranchcannotbearfruitonitsownunlessitremainsonthevine,soneithercanyouunlessyouremaininme…
● PopeFrancis(lettertoFr.General):ThefirstpreferenceiscrucialbecauseitpresupposesasabasicconditiontheJesuit’srelationshipwiththeLordinapersonalandcommunallifeofprayeranddiscernment…Withoutthisprayerfulattitudetheotherpreferenceswillnotbearfruit.
● Fr.General:UniversalApostolicPreferences2019-2029.(Pg.1)TheUAParethefruitofanelection…OurdesirehasbeentofindthebestwaytoservetheChurchatthistimethebestcontributionwecanmakewithwhatweareandhave,seekingtodowhatisforthegreaterdivineserviceandthemoreuniversalgood
○ ToshowthewaytoGodthroughtheSpiritualExercisesanddiscernment;○ Towalkwiththepoor,theoutcastsoftheworld,thosewhosedignityhasbeenviolated,ina
missionofreconciliationandjustice;○ Toaccompanyyoungpeopleinthecreationofahope-filledfuture;○ TocollaborateinthecareofourCommonHome.
(Pg.8)ThecallistosharethelifeandmissionofJesusChrist.AttheheartofthiscallistheloveoftheOneandTriuneGodwhoisnotparalyzedinthefaceoftheworld’ssituationbutwhosendsJesustotakeonourhumanityandgivehislifeinordertoopenthegatestodivinelifeandloveforallhumanbeings.IndyingJesusexpressesthesupremelovethatvanquishesdeath.Toacceptthatcallistogiveone’slifeforloveexpressedindeedsofreconciliationandjustice;itmeansbeingtransformedintoauthenticfollowersofJesusandactivemembersoftheChurchandtheSocietythatservesthemissionincollaborationwithsomanyotherpersons.Conversionempowersustotakepartinthemission:conversiontofaithintheGoodNewsthattheReignofGodisathand,andconversiontoalivingfaiththatexpressesitselfinworksthatmakepossiblethefulfillmentofGod'spromiseinhumanhistory.
Guidelinesforprayer
- IimaginehowtheHolyTrinityhasguidedtheUAPs’discernment.HowtheLordhandsoverthismissiontotheSocietyfromthehandsoftheHolyFathertotheonesofFatherGeneral,thentothewholeSocietyofJesusandfinallytome.
- ThelaunchingoftheUAPshasbeenaverydifferentprocessofdiscernmentforeachpersoninvolved-Jesuitorpartnerinmission,communitiesorinstitutions,provinces,regions,conferencesandtheentireSociety.DidIfeelpartofthisdiscernmentprocess?HowhaveIwelcomedtheUniversalApostolicPreferences?
- Conversion.FatherGeneralinsisted:ThetemptationistorushintoputtingtheUAPsintopracticewithouttakingthetimetoassimilateanddelvedeeperintothemsoastofeelwhattheyareaskingofusintermsofpersonalandcommunaltransformationandconversion.WhatdoIneedtoreceiveandembraceintheUAPsonapersonalandcommunallevel?
Colloquy:IthanktheLordforthegiftofthepreferencesandpresentmyfeelingsofjoyorresistance.
GuidingprinciplesfortheunderstandingoftheUAPs(ExtractsfromFr.Generaltalks)
UNIVERSAL● Theyareuniversalbecausetheyreflectthe
diversityofcultures.Theyarecommittedtopluralityandtheyopposethehomogenizationofglobalisation.
● Preferencesmustmakeusgroundedandheart-feltinthecommongoodofallhumanitybydifferentpaths.
NotGLOBAL● Globalizationisthechoiceofworlduniformityas
opposedtotherichnessofthelocalandtheindividual.
● Globalizationtruststhatallhumansocietiesmusthavethesameidentityandthesamehistoricaltrajectory.
APOSTOLIC● Theyareapostolicbecausetheyassumethe
missionofJesusastheapostlesdid.● Theyaretheresultofanexerciseofspiritual
discernmentincommonaswasmadebythefirstJesuits.
● TheyarenotobjectivesandgoalsbutthesoulofalltheplansandactionsoftheSocietyofJesus.
NotIMMOBILE● UAPsarenotalistofqualitiesandcharacteristics
thatwemustfulfilinaparticularJesuitterritory.Theyarenotaticking-the-boxexercise.
● Theyareacalltoexplorethenewterritoriesofthepresentwithoutbeinganchoredtothepast,whilestilltakingintoaccountourtraditions.
PREFERENCES● Apreferenceisavitalorientationforfocusallour
apostolatesinthenexttenyears.TheyareaninspirationforeveryJesuitministry.
● Toprefersomethingistodesireitmorethanotherthings.Thisentailsmyownwillandfeelings.Apreferenceiswhatwereallyneedandhavetoseek.
NotPRIORITIES● Prioritizingisexclusive.IfIprioritize,Iam
choosingsomethingoverotherthings.● Wearenotmakingarankingofactionsorworks,
butfollowingdiscernment,wechoosewhatdirectiontotake.
Proverbs2:1-9Myson,ifyoureceivemywordsandtreasuremycommands,TurningyoureartoWisdom,incliningyourhearttounderstanding;Yes,ifyoucalltointelligence,andtounderstandingraiseyourvoice;andlikehiddentreasuressearchherout:ThenwillyouunderstandthefearoftheLORD;theknowledgeofGodyouwillfind;FortheLORDgiveswisdom,fromhismouthcomeknowledgeandunderstanding;Hehascounselinstorefortheupright,heistheshieldofthosewhowalkhonestly,Guardingthepathsofjustice,protectingthewayofhispiousones.Thenyouwillunderstandrectitudeandjustice,honesty,everygoodpath.
John15:4-5
Remaininme,asIremaininyou.Justasabranchcannotbearfruitonitsownunlessitremainsonthevine,soneithercanyouunlessyouremaininme.Iamthevine,youarethebranches.WhoeverremainsinmeandIinhimwillbearmuchfruit,becausewithoutmeyoucandonothing.
UAPRetreatDay2Exercise4
HellSituation
TheImage:AbrokenWorldImagineaworldwherejusttheoppositeofourUAPsprevails
● AworldwithoutGod,wheretheSpiritualExerciseshavenosenseanddiscernmentisanemptyword.AworldwithnocommunicationbetweenusandGod
● Aworldwherethepoorareabandonedandhumiliated;wherehumanbeingshavenodignityoftheirown.Aworldwithoutpathsofreconciliationwhereonlyinjusticeremains.
● Aworldwhereyoungpeople’svaluesaremilesawayfromsolidarity,faithandhope;andclosertosuperficiality,selfishnessandpower.
● Anenvironmentallysickworldthathaspassedthepointofnoreturn.Aworldexploited,polluted,andwornout,wherelifebecomesimpossible.
TextsSp.Ex.65-71–Themeditationofhell.AGodlessWorldHewasintheworld,andthoughtheworldwasmadethroughhim,theworlddidnotrecognizehim.Hecametothatwhichwashisown,buthisowndidnotreceivehim.John1:10-11
AWorldwherethepoorareabandonedForIwashungryandyougavemenothingtoeat,Iwasthirstyandyougavemenothingtodrink,I
wasastrangerandyoudidnotinvitemein,Ineededclothesandyoudidnotclotheme,
Iwassickandinprisonandyoudidnotlookafterme.’Matthew25:31-46
YouthwithouthopeWhentheyoungmanheardthis,hewentawaysad,becausehehadgreatwealth.Matthew19:21-22
Nocommonhomecare
Theonewhohearsmywordsanddoesnotputthemintopractice
islikeamanwhobuiltahouseonthegroundwithoutafoundation.Themomentthetorrent
struckthathouse,itcollapsedanditsdestructionwascomplete.”
Luke6:48-49CompositionIimaginemyselfinabrokenworldandtakealookatitsvictims.AskingforGraceIaskforaninnersenseofthepainthatthedamagedpeopleofthisworldareenduring.IasktheLordtohelpmeunderstandtheevilpaththatseparatesusfromthemandfromHim.Guidelinesforprayer
● Itrytoimagineabrokenworldgoingfromthesituationsthatarefarthesttothoseclosesttome.● ImeditateonthepresentsituationsofrupturewithGod,withcreation,withothers,withmyinnerself.How
willthefuturebeforthemandformeifwecontinuedownthispath?● Withmyinnersenses,Itrytoexplorethefinalconsequencesandproportionsofthewoundsofourworld.
ColloquyIpresenttotheLordthepainofthedamagedpeopleofthisworldasIconsidermyownpast,presentandfuture.IsharewithGodwhatisinmyheartduringthismeditationofabrokenworld.
UAPRetreatDay2
Exercise5
WithEyesofMercyTheImage:Inmanyofourcities,weseepeoplesellinggoodsonablanket.Manyofthemaremigrantslookingforawaytosurviveinatradethatisnotalwayslegal.Amongtheirmerchandise,theysellgenuineandcounterfeitgoods,authenticandartificialstuff,fakebrands,andsoon.InSpain,theyarecalledmanteros.Theylookforthebusieststreetstosellmorebutassoonastheyseethepolicecoming,theyquicklygrabthefourcornersoftheblanketandrunawaytoavoidgettingtheirthingsconfiscated.CompositionIimaginemyselfinfrontofGod,theGodofMercy,andpresentallthatconstitutesmylife:vocation,studies,work,community,apostolate,spirituallife,friends,family,…AskingforGraceIaskforthegracetodistinguishbetweenwhatisandwhatisnotauthenticinmylife.ThegraceofdiscoveringthroughthelightofGod’smercywhatseparatesmeandwhatbringsmeclosertoGod,toothersandmyselfinloveandtruth.Texts
- Exodus3:1-16-Mosesandtheburningbush.“Takeoffyoursandals,fortheplacewhereyouarestandingisholyground…Ihaveseentheoppressionofmypeople…”
- Luke15:11-32-TheMercifulFatherandthetwosons.Theprodigalsonandhiselderbrotherdiscoveredtheirtruth,andthetruthoftheirFather’smercy.
- Luke19:1-10–Zacchaeus.«Jesussaidtohim,“Todaysalvationhascometothishouse…FortheSonofMancametoseekandtosavethelost.”»
- Psalm139-Youhavesearchedme,LORD,andyouknowme.- Psalm51-abrokenandcontriteheart,you,God,willnotdespise.
Guidelinesforprayer
● ItakesometimetoenterGod'spresence.IacknowledgethatIaminasacredspaceandasktheLordtoplacemeunderhismercifulgaze.
● IchooseandreadoneofthetextsandcontemplatehowitspeaksabouttherelationshipwithGod
● Itakeintoaccountthedifferentrelationships,memoriesandaspectsofmylife.Iletmymindandheartto
movethroughthosedifferentmoments,peopleandplacesinmyrelationshipwithGod,withothersandwithmyself.
● Amongmyrealitytherearelightandheavythings,authenticandfalserealities,blessingsandsins...thelabels
Iwear,thelabelsIputtoothers…IpresenttoGodallthatIamandallthatIhave.
● Ifnegativememoriesandfeelingsarise,ItrytoembracethemaspartofwhoIamandpresentthemtoGodwhoknowsmebetterthanIknowmyself.IletGodshedlightontheseshadowymemoriesallinHistiming.
ColloquyIoffertheLordthepointsthatprovokethestrongestinnermovementsinmeandIaskHimtoletmeexperienceHismercyinmylife
UAPRetreatDay3
Exercise6
TheCallinMotionTheImage:Momentum:Theforcethatkeepsanobjectmovingoraneventtounfoldonceithasstarted.Momentumoccurswhenapositiveresultgeneratesmorepositiveresultscausinginturnageneralforwardforcewithacollectiveconfidence.Momentumgainsmorestrengththelongeritlasts.Texts:
● Matthew5:1-12orLuke6:20-26o Blessedarethepoorinspirit,for
theirsisthekingdomofheaveno Blessedarethosewhoare
persecutedforrighteousness'sake,fortheirsisthekingdomofheaven.o Blessedarethepeacemakers,fortheywillbecalledchildrenofGodo Blessedarethemeek,fortheyshallinherittheearth
● Fr.General:PartI:UniversalApostolicPreferences2019-2029.
(Pg7)ThepreferencesseektoembodyconcretelythemissionreceivedastheLord’sresponsetothecryofawoundedworld;thecryofthemostvulnerable,whohavebeendisplacedandmarginalized;theemptyrhetoricthatdividesanddismantlesourcultures;thegrowingchasmbetweenrichandpoor;thecryoftheyounginsearchofhopeandmeaning;thecryoftheearthanditspeoples,whohavebeendegradedtothepointofhavingtheirveryexistenceputatrisk.ThepreferencesseektorespondtoaworldinwhichentiregenerationshaveneverheardaboutJesusandhisGospel.
● PopeFrancis:TheGodofloveshowsusourplaceinthisworldtobechannelsofHislovetoalltheEarth’s
creatures,fornotoneofthemisforgotteninHissight.(LaudatoSi’246)
● SaintIgnatius:"EternalLordofallthings,ImakemyoblationwithThyfavorandhelp,…thatIwantanddesire,anditismydeliberatedetermination,ifonlyitbeThygreaterserviceandpraise,toimitateTheeinbearingallinjuriesandallabuseandallpovertyofspirit,andactualpoverty,too,ifThymostHolyMajestywantstochooseandreceivemetosuchlifeandstate."SpiritualExercises98
Theimage
● IimaginemyselfonthemountainsidelisteningtoJesusinthemidstofthecrowd.AskingforGrace
● IaskGodforinnerknowledgeofHispreferencesandmyowndesiretofollowHim.Guidanceforprayer
● Readthetextandimaginethescene.ContemplatethewayJesuslooksatthecrowdandhowheaskshisdisciplestocollaborateinhismission.
● Lookattheverbsofthepreferences:toshowtheway,towalkwith,toaccompany,tocollaboratein,…GothroughthefirstpartofFr.General’sletterandimagineyourselfdoingtheseactions.
● TheUAPsarethefirstfruitofalongprocessofdiscernmentwhichwillcontinuenowinourapostolicplanning.HowhaveIfeltpartofthisprocessuntilnowandhowdoIfeelaboutthenextsteps?
● ImagineyourlifeasananswertoJesus'programmeexpressedinthebeatitudes:ArethepreferencesofJesusmyownpreferences?ArethepreferencesgiventotheSocietyofJesusmypreferences?Whatdesireswithinmemoveinfavouroragainst?Whataremylongingsandwhat’sholdingmeback?
Colloquy:PresentyourdesirestoJesusasifyouaretalkingtoafriend.
UAPRetreatDay3Exercise7
Incarnation,GodMovesFirst
Theimage:TheHolyTrinityinmercifuldialogue.Itislikeadiptych;ononesidewehavethedialogueoftheTrinitybeforetheworldandontheotherOurLadyofNazareth.TheTrinityapproacheshumanityknowingitspainanditsseparationfromtheGodofMercy.Goddecidestosavealosthumanity:"ThethreeDivinePersonsgazed"atthegloomysightofahumanitythathaslostthemeaningoflife,brokenduetodivisionandselfishness,anddecided“thattheSecondPersonshouldbecomeahumanbeingtosavethehumanrace”.AndthusitisproclaimedtoMary.God'sfirstmovementistoasktobereceivedintotheworldbyawonderfulpoorwomanwhoisabletosayyestoGod.
AskingforGraceIasktheLordforthegracetoseetheworldwithits“manyanddiversepeople”throughHiseyes.AndtorespondasOurLadydidfromherhouseinNazareth.IaskfortheinteriorknowledgeoftheLord,whobecamehumanforme,sothatImaylovehimmoreintenselyandfollowhimmoreclosely.TextsJesus'wayofseeing- OurLordisachildthatbringslightandsalvationfor
SimeonandAnna.Formyeyeshaveseenyoursalvation…Luke2,25-35
- Helookstothedisciplesandhecallsthem.John
1:35-42- Whenhesawthecrowd,hehadcompassionon
them,becausetheywereharassedandhelpless,likesheepwithoutashepherd.Matthew9:36
- Hesawalargecrowdandhehadcompassionon
them.Matthew14:13-14- Helookstotheonewhodeniedhim,andHe
changeshisheart.Luke22:61-62- Jesuslookedattheonewhodidnotwhattochange
andlovedhim.Marc10:17-27- Jesuslookswithmercytilltheend.Father,forgive
them,fortheydon’tknowwhattheyaredoing.Luke23:34
OurLady’swayofseeing- Annunciation.Mayyourwordtomebefulfilled…
Luke1:26-38- Magnificat.FortheMightyOnehasdonegreat
thingsforme…Luke1:39-56- Marytreasuredupallthesethingsandpondered
theminherheart.Luke2:19,51Othertexts- Iasknomoreofyoutolookathim…Silencedthe
understanding,Ilookthathelooksatme.SaintTheresaofAvila
- BygivingushisWord,hedoesnothaveanotherword
todeliver,andbygivingushisownSon,hehasnoothergifttograntus;hehasnothingelsetosay,nothingelsetograntus.BygivingusJesus,hehassaidall.SaintJohnoftheCross
- Teachmeyourwayoflookingatpeople…yourimage
changesthosewithwhomyoucomeintocontact.Fr.PedroArrupe
Guidelinesforprayer(SpEx101-109)
1. Tosee,listentoandlookattheworld“insuchblindness”:Theworldweliveinisadividedoneneedyofsalvation:"Toseethepeople,listentowhattheyaresaying,seewhattheyaredoing...”,“someinpeaceandothersatwar,someweepingandotherslaughing,somehealthyandotherssick,somebeingbornandothersdying”.Itisahumanitythatasks"tobefreedfromtheshacklesofmortalityandistoenteruponthegloriouslibertyofthechildrenofGod”(Rom8:21).Ibringthisscenetomylife.
2. Tosee,listento,andlookattheTrinity:“Letusworktheredemptionofthehuman”.Godtakestheinitiative
tosaveus.ThesecondpersonoftheHolyTrinitybecomesincarnate,andbysodoing,hesharesalltheproblems,hopesandpainofhumanity...Andmakemenandwomenperceivehowfraternityandaffiliationislived:"GodsolovedtheworldthathegavehisonlySon"(Jn3:16).Itrytotransposethisscenetomylife.
3. See,listentoandlookattheannunciationtoMaryMaryistheresponsemodeltothecallforcollaborating
inthecomingoftheKingdomofGod.God’sinterventioninhistorypreviouslyrequireshumanconsent.Beforeinterveninginthehistoryofmen,Godasksforconsent.BychoosingMary,Godchooseswhatissimple,weak,feminine,inordertocarryoutgreatdeeds.Itrytotransposethisscenetomylife.
ColloquywithourFather,richinmercy;withhisSon,whohastakenonHimallthatisoursandtowhomnothingisstrange;withtheSpirit,giveroflife;andwithMary,instrumentoftheNewAlliance,"IwillaskforfavoursaccordingtowhatIperceiveinmyheartthatImaybetterfollowandimitateOurLord,whointhiswayhasrecentlybecomeahumanbeing”(SpEx109).
UAPRetreatDay4Exercise8
ThePreferencesofJesus:HisFirst30Yearswithus
Theimage:Therearealwaysdifferentpathswecantake.Somearewideandeasy,othersarenarrowandhard.Mychoiceofpathisaquestionofpreferenceandselection.Manyhumanbeingscannotchoosetheirwayofliving.Goddid.AskingforGrace:OLord,teachmeyourways(Ps.25).IaskforinteriorknowledgeoftheLord’swisdom,Hewhoformysakebecameman,thatImayloveandfollowHimmore.Texts:
- Luke2:1-20-TheNativityofJesus:Shewrappedhiminclothsandplacedhiminamanger,becausetherewasnoguestroomavailableforthem.
- Matthew2:13-15-Sohegotup,tookthechildandhismotherduringthenightandleftforEgypt.- Luke2:39-40,51-52–ThehiddenlifeofJesusinNazareth…AndJesusgrewinwisdomandstature,andin
favourwithGodandman.- SpEx.110-117–ContemplationoftheNativity
o …toseethepersons;thatis,toseeOurLadyandJosephandthemaid,and,afterHisBirth,theChildJesus,Imakingmyselfapoorcreatureandawretchofanunworthyslave,lookingatthemandservingthemintheirneeds,withallpossiblerespectandreverence,asifIfoundmyselfpresent;andthentoreflectonmyselfinordertodrawsomeprofit.
o …tolookandconsiderwhattheyaredoing,asgoingajourneyandlabouring,thattheLordmaybeborninthegreatestpoverty;andasaterminationofsomanylabours—ofhunger,ofthirst,ofheatandofcold,ofinjuriesandaffronts—thatHemaydieontheCross;andallthisforme.
Guidelinesforprayer
● IfollowthetextscontemplatingtheNativityand/orthefirstyearsofthelifeofJesus.IreflectonhowJesusChristrevealsGod’spreferenceforthepoor,thehumble,andthesimplelifeinasimplevillage.
● Nazarethisanexampleofahealthyandecologicalenvironment,thekindofenvironmentIseektotaste
simplicityandthevaluesoftheGospel.Itissuchenvironmentsthathealmyanxietiesanddesperatesearchforefficiencytohelpmefindtherightbalance.ItistherethatIfindtheinspirationtobearthedailyroutinebecauseeverysinglethingmakessense.InNazarethImayencounterMaryinsandalsorbarefoot,holdingdeartoherheartthefaceandwordsofhersonJesus.ItistheplaceofthenewWisdomwhereJesusgrew,theschoolwhereJesuslearntthelivinglanguagehebroughttousall.Inshort,itistheplacetogainadivinewayoflooking,thinking,feeling,judging…Igobacktotheplacewhereitallbegan.
● IobserveJesusinhisgrowingprocess.Inthewayhebehavedwithhisfamily,withneighbours,friends,with
theOnehewasgettingtoknowbetterashisFather.Igodeepinsidehisheart,aheartnurturedanonymouslytostrengthenafullwayofbeinghuman-divinefromhischildhoodtohisadolescenceandyoungadulthood.
Colloquy:IfinishwithacolloquywiththeVirginMary,who“keptallthesethingsinherheart”.IsharewithherwhatinmyprayerappearedasGod'spreferencesinthehiddenlifeofJesus.
UAPRetreatDay4
Exercise9
GuidedbytheSpirit
Theimage:OntheplatformIknowwhichtrainIwanttogetonandIknowmydestination,buttherearemomentsinwhichpeople,relationships,wishesandpossessionsunexpectedlycrossmylife.SuddenlyIfindmyselfonadifferenttrainthatisalreadyonitswaytodestinationsIdidn'twanttoreach.
Texts:▪ Matthew4:1-11-ThenJesuswasledbytheSpiritintothewildernesstobetemptedbythedevil.
▪ Luke4:16-21-TheSpiritoftheLordisuponme,becausehehasanointedmetopreachthegospeltothe
poor;hehassentmetohealthebroken-hearted,topreachdeliverancetothecaptives,andrecoveringofsighttotheblind,tosetatlibertythemthatarebruised,topreachtheacceptableyearoftheLord.
▪ Sp.Ex.136-147–MeditationonTwoStandards
▪ Fr.General:PartII:GuidedbytheSpirit
o WearedeeplyconvincedthatthepreferenceswillhelptheapostolicbodyoftheSocietyiftheymaintainaclearunitybetweenlifeandmission;ifweunderstandthemasorientationsthatgobeyond“doingsomething”andenableustoachieveourtransformationaspersons,asreligiouscommunities,andasapostolicworksandinstitutionsinwhichwecollaboratewithotherConsequently,whileeachpreferencepointstosomeimportantaspectofourapostolate,italsoinvitesustorenewourownlivessothatourworkwillbecredibleandeffective(Pg.7)
o Theuniversalapostolicpreferencesseektodeepentheseprocessesofpersonal,communal,andinstitutionalconversion.TheyareorientationsforimprovingboththeapostolicworkofthewholebodyoftheSocietyandthewaysinwhichweaccomplishourministries,inwhichthepreferencesareexpressed.Atthesametime,theyseektohelpJesuitsandourcompanionsinmissiontomaketheirapostoliclivesapathwaytoGod.WewanttoinviteallpeopletofollowthepathopenedupbyJesusofNazareth,apathonwhichweourselvesarewalking,followinginhisfootsteps,encouragedbyhisSpirit.(Pg.8)
o Theyarenotourpreferences.WehavefollowedtheHolySpirit,whohasguidedandinspiredus.(Pg.8)
AskingforGrace:OLord,teachmeyourways(Ps.25).HolySpirit,givemeinsightintotheDECEITSoftheworldandhelpmetostayawayfromthem.GivemeinsightintotheGENUINELIFEthatJesusshowsus.
Guidelinesforprayer● TheUniversalApostolicPreferencesliketheMeditationonTwoStandardsdemandofusaunityofspiritand
action.TheyinviteuspermanentlytoacknowledgewhereweareandtolookagainatthemapoftheroutetofollowthesameSpiritasJesusChrist.
● TemptationswerepresentthroughoutJesus'life,notonlyinthedesert:
o ThetemptationofusingGod'spowerandgiftsforone'sownprofit.Richnessvs.Povertyo Thetemptationoftakingshortcutsinsteadofaccompanyingpeopleintheirlifesituations.Powervs.Serviceo Thetemptationofworshippingothergodsinexchangeforsolutions.Famevs.Humility
● Ibecomeawareofthecombat.Allthosetemptationsor“innerdemons”walkwithusastheywalkedwithJesus
tryingtochangethedirectionofourinnerjourney.Infact,thetextfinishessaying“thedevildepartedfromhimuntilanopportunetime”.Thedevildoesthesamewithus.Whatarethetemptations/deceitsIfaceinlife?Whicharemytemptations/deceitsasIreflectontheUAPs?
● IcontemplateJesusintheSynagogue,hispeaceandsenseofsecurityasheisledbytheHolySpirit.Thegoalof
thejourneythatJesusisproposingarethepoor,thecaptives,thebroken-heartedandallthosesuffering.Theyarehiscompanionsandthegoalofhislifejourney.
TripleColloquy:Colloquy1AcolloquywithOurLady,askinghertoobtainformegracefromherSonandLordthatheacceptsmeunderHisbanner,firstinthehighestspiritualpoverty,butalso,ifHisDivineMajestyrequiresthisandshouldbepleasedtochooseandreceivemeforit,inactualpoverty.Secondly,insufferinginsultsandreproaches,soastoimitateHimmoreclosely,providedonlythatIcansufferthesewithoutsinonthepartofanyotherpersonandwithoutdispleasuretoHisDivineMajestyIendwithaHailMary.Colloquy2ToaskthesameoftheSonthatHemayobtainitformefromtheFather,andthensayanAnimaChristi.Colloquy3ToaskthesameoftheFatherthatHegrantsthisHimself,andsayanOurFather.
UAPRetreatDay5Exercise10
ContemplatingHisLifeTheimage:Aseedisacarrierofafulllifecontainedinaverysmallrecipient.Itneedscareandtimetogrow.Ifjustforonemomentinyourlifeyouhavecontemplatedaseedgrowing,youwillneverforgetthevalueofsmallthings.ThesamehappenswhenwecontemplateJesus.StepsinIgnatianContemplation:1.ChooseaGospeltextforyourprayer.Prepareitbeforeenteringyoursacredspace.
2.Prepareforgospelcontemplationbybeingstillforatime.BeawareofGod'spresencewithinyouandallaroundyou.Withtheeyesofyourheart,'lookatGodlookingatyou'.BeawarethattheSpiritisguidingyouinyourprayer.
3.BeawareofyourselfinthepresenceofGod,yourmoods,yourdesires,yourhopes.OutofthatawarenesstrytofocusonaparticulargracetoaskoftheLordduringyourprayertime.
AskingforGrace:OLord,teachmeyourways(Ps.25).Jesuspleaseshowmewhereisthefulfillingandhappylifetowhichyouareinvitingmeto.Teachmetohaveinteriorknowledgeofyouinordertobetterloveandfollowyou.
4.Readandre-readthegospelpassagelettingitsdetailssettleintoyourmemory.
5.Usingthesensesofyourimagination,seeandhearthesceneinwhichtheeventtakesplace,thepeoplewhoarethere,theirexpression,theirposture,theirwords.Donotbeafraidtoletyourcreativitytakeoverwhenyoudothis.HowyouseeandhearwilloftenbehowtheGospelpassagewilltouchyou.
6.Useyourothersenses(smell,taste,touch)bothliterallyandspiritually.Whatisthetaste,thefeeloftheinteractionsinthestory,andhowdotheytouchyou?Identifywithoneorotherpersoninthestory.Youcancomebacktothestorytimeandtimeagainlivingitinthepositionofotherpersonswithinthetext,includingJesus.
7.Bespontaneous.Enterintoyourownconversationandinteractinyourownwaywiththepersonsinthestory.TheGospelpassagebecomesthebackdropforyourowninvolvementwithJesus.IfatacertainpointyoufeeldrawntobesilentandtosimplyenjoythepresenceofGod,staythere.Donotfeeltheneedtomoveon.TaketimetolistenandhearwhatGodhastosay
8.Gathertogetherthemainstrandsofyourcontemplationandspendafewminutesgivingattentiontothepartinthecontemplationthatmostdeeplymovedyou.Alsobeawareofthosepartsofthecontemplationthathavedisturbedyouorleftyoucold.Thereissomethinginthatforexplorationanothertime.
9.SpeaktotheLordinaspontaneouscolloquy.ConcludewiththeOurFatherorsomeotherfavouriteprayer.
Textsandguidelinesforprayer▪ UAP1-Luke5:1-11-Jesuscallstoworkbesidehim“Putoutintodeepwater,andletdownthenetsforacatch.”
“Don’tbeafraid;fromnowonyouwillfishforpeople.”
o Jesusleadsusoutoftheshoresweknow.Heinvitesustoenterdeeperwaters,tocastthenetwherewehadnotfishedbefore.ItisaninvitationtotrustinGod.
o SpiritualExercisesandDiscernmentarepossibleifwejourneytoourdeepestself.Wearecalledtoofferanalternativetootherseculartrends.
▪ UAP2-Marc6:30-44–Jesusfeedsthepeople.“Yougivethemsomethingtoeat.”“Howmanyloavesdoyou
have?”…Hegavethanksandbroketheloaves.Thenhegavethemtohisdisciplestodistributetothepeople.
o IrecallthegiftsIhavereceivedfromGod,myloavesofbread.IaskJesustofeedother(thepoor,theoutcast,thesufferers…)withthegiftsgiventome.
o WithJesusIcanbeaserverofreconciliationandjusticeintheworld.▪ UAP3-Luke7:11-17–Jesusraisesawidow’sson-WhentheLordsawher,hisheartwentouttoherandhe
said,“Don’tcry.”…“Youngman,Isaytoyou,getup!”
o HumanstoriestouchtheheartofJesus.Whatwasadeadchild,resurrectedasaman.Jesushelpedtomakepossiblethisjourneytocreateahope-filledfutureforhim.
o WithHimwewhattohelpyoungpeoplefeelthemselveslovedandhealed,savedandforgiven.▪ UAP4-Matthew8:23-27-Jesuscalmsthestorm-“Lord,saveus!We’regoingtodrown!”…Hereplied,“Youof
littlefaith,whyareyousoafraid?”Thenhegotupandrebukedthewindsandthewaves,anditwascompletelycalm.
o Weareallinthesameboat(theChurch,thecommonhouse…).SometimesGodseemstobesleep.
Whicharethestormsthatthreatourlifetogether?o Weneedanewrelationshipwiththeenvironment.Wecanlivewithanewhorizon,embracing
Jesus’visionoftheKingdomofGod,ofarenewedandtransformedworldandecosystemwhereweareallbrothersandsisters,responsibletoeachother.
ColloquyDonotforgettofinishyourprayerinagentledialoguewithGod:theFather,theSon,theHolySpiritandconcludewithyourfavouriteprayer:OurFather,AnimaChristi,Psalm23
UAPRetreatDay5Exercise11
TheImageofGodFromtheLastSuppertoGethsemane
Theimage:WeliketolightcandlestopraytoGod.TherearetimeswhendarknessbecomesmoreintenseandwefinditmoredifficulttoseeGodandourbrothersandsisters.ItispreciselyinthisdarknessthatGodrevealsHimselfastheclosestonetooursuffering.However,thisisnoteasytoperceive.SufferingisatheologicalplacewhereonecomestoknowGod.TellmewhatyouthinkabouthumansufferingandIwilltellyoutheimageofGodyouhave.
Texts
▪ Sp.Ex.196-IgnatiusinvitesustoenterinthemysteryofGod:“ConsiderhowDivinityhidesitself”▪ John13:1-17-JesusWashesHisDisciples’Feet
o Havinglovedhisownwhowereintheworld,helovedthemtotheend.o …Sohegotupfromthemeal,tookoffhisouterclothing,andwrappedatowelaroundhis
waist. Afterthat,hepouredwaterintoabasinandbegantowashhisdisciples’feet,dryingthemwiththetowelthatwaswrappedaroundhim.
o “UnlessIwashyou,youhavenopartwithme.”o “IhavesetyouanexamplethatyoushoulddoasIhavedoneforyou.”
▪ JesuspraysatGethsemaneo Mark14:32-40–HetookPeter,JamesandJohnalongwithhim,andhebegantobedeeply
distressedandtroubled. “Mysoulisoverwhelmedwithsorrowtothepointofdeath,”hesaidtothem.“Stayhereandkeepwatch.”
o Luke22:39-45-Hekneltdownandprayed,“Father,ifyouarewilling,takethiscupfromme;yetnotmywill,butyoursbedone.”
AskingforGrace:IasktheLordforthegraceofbeingwithHimandbeingabletoidentifymyselfwiththepainandsufferingthatHeunderwentformeinHisPassion.Guidelinesforprayer
● Contemplatehow“Helovedthemtotheend”.Duringthemeal,Jesusobserveshisdisciplesinsilence.Itisatimeofcontemplation,ofthanksgiving,ofpetition,andofoffering.Helooksatthemonebyone,herecallsthebuildingofthecommunity,afirstandimperfectsignoftheKingdomtocome.
● Jesus“takesadifferentplace”.Heplaceshimselfathiscompanions’feet,invertstherolesand“dis”placesus.Hebecomesoneofmany,lowersanddispossesseshimselfofthisstatusand,withhisgesture,dignifieshisdisciples,andmakesthemreal,andunitesthemwithHewhoserves.WhatplacesorpostsdoIoccupyorhaveinmylife?WithwhatattitudeordispositionhaveIoccupiedtheseplacesorposts?
● Jesusinvitesus:“youaretodoasIhavedoneforyou”.Hewashedthefeetofthetwelve,includingPeterandJudas.PeterinshockreactstoJesus’gesture-hecannotallowtheTeacher“tobeoutofhisplace”and,onceagain,Jesus’replyisastounding.Jesuswantstobeamongthemattheplacehehaschosen.HowdoIacceptthehelpofothers,theirnicegestures,thelessonstheycanteachme?
● IconsiderandimaginetheprayerofJesusinGethsemane.IimaginehowhewouldspeaktotheFatherknowingthatallhisfriendswereabouttoabandonHim..Wheredoeshegetthefaithandassurancefrom?IsthisthewaytobuildtheKingdomofGod?HowdowespreadtheGoodNewsofaGodwhoisFatherwhenitnowentailsconflictandtheriskofdeath?
● AmIabletoprayinmymomentsofanguish,darkness,tirednessandanger?WhatismyimageofGodinthesemoments?Isthereany“angel”tohelpme?IsGodstillthecentreofmyprayer?
ColloquyIsitnexttoJesus,accompanyhim,speaktohimaboutwhatitmeanstosharethismomentofmylife,toreceivehiswill,andtellhimaboutthefeelingsandhopesthatarestirredupinme.PraytogetherwithJesus…OurFather
UAPRetreatDay6Exercise12
TheConsequencesofHisPreferences.ThreeJudgements
Theimage:Thephysicalprincipleofactionandreactionisalsofulfilledintheactionsofourlife.Everyactionhasitsconsequencesandsomearedisproportionate.Similarly,Jesus’actionshadtheirconsequenceswhentheauthoritiessawhimasathreattosocialstability,thepoliticalorderandthereligiousimmobilism.Jesus'preferencesledhimtoactionsthatledhimtothecross.Texts
▪ ReligiousJudgement:o Luke22:70-71-Theyallasked,“AreyouthentheSon
ofGod?”Hereplied,“YousaythatIam.”Thentheysaid,“Whydoweneedanymoretestimony?Wehavehearditfromhisownlips.”
o Luke23:5-Theyinsisted,“HestirsupthepeoplealloverJudeabyhisteaching.HestartedinGalileeandhascomeallthewayhere.”
o Matthew26:57-68-…Thenthehighpriesttorehisclothesandsaid,“Hehasspokenblasphemy!...Whatdoyouthink?”“Heisworthyofdeath,”theyanswered.
▪ PoliticalJudgement:o Mark15:1-15-“WhatshallIdo,then,withtheoneyoucallthekingoftheJews?”Pilateasked
them.“Crucifyhim!”theyshouted.o John19:1-16–“Hereisyourking,”PilatesaidtotheJews.Buttheyshouted,“Takehimaway!Take
himaway!Crucifyhim!”“ShallIcrucifyyourking?”Pilateasked.“WehavenokingbutCaesar,”thechiefpriestsanswered.FinallyPilatehandedhimovertothemtobecrucified.
▪ SocialJudgement:
o Luke23:8-12-WhenHerodsawJesus,hewasgreatlypleased,becauseforalongtimehehadbeenwantingtoseehim.Fromwhathehadheardabouthim,hehopedtoseehimperformasignofsomesort.… ThenHerodandhissoldiersridiculedandmockedhim.
o Matthew2669-75-“ThisfellowwaswithJesusofNazareth.”Hedenieditagain,withanoath:“Idon’tknowtheman!”
AskingforGrace:IasktheLordtogivemetheinteriorknowledgeofthelinkbetweenJesus’preferencesandthepassionheenduredforallofus.Guidelinesforprayer
● BeforeenteringprayerIchoosethetextsthatIamgoingtopraywith.ItrytocontemplateJesusinhistrialsbeforereligious,politicalandsocialtribunals.
o ReligiousJudgement:JesushasblasphemedagainstGod.HehasridiculedtheJewishauthorities.Hehasshownnorespectforthelawandtraditions.AllthiscannotcomefromGod.Hence,hemustdie.
o PoliticalJudgement:JesushasdisturbedtheRomanpeaceandthatofhisgovernor.Pilatedoesnot
wanttolosepoliticalfriendsormoneybytakingJesus'side.HethenseeksanaccusationofrebellionagainstCaesar.IfJesusdeclareshimselfking;Hemustdie.
o SocialJudgement:Jesusremainscompletelyalone.Separatedfromfriendswhodenyhimandsurroundedbyenemieswhomockhim.Herodseeshimasacelebritywhodeceiveshim.Jesusisafraud;Hemustdie.
● ImagineyouwereinatrialandwereJesus'defendinglawyer,trytobringtothestandthewitnessesonJesus'
behalf.Askthosewhowitnessedhisgooddeedstotestify.Thepeoplehehelped,theparableshetaught,hiscoherentlife.Unfortunately,allhisgooddeedsdonotcountintheeyesofthejudgesandauthorities.Similarly,IconsiderthatthroughouthistorythefollowersofJesushaveoftensufferedthesameconsequencesastheMaster.TheUniversalApostolicPreferencesoftheSocietyofJesusareafruitofdiscernment;theyhavebeengiventous.“ThepreferencesareanopportunityforustofeelthatwearetheleastSocietyincollaborationwithothers”:(letterUAPspg.8).Thisworldisnotgoingtoallowit.
o InaworldthatdoesnotwanttohearaboutGod,wewanttomaketheGoodNewsknown.o Inaworldthatprotectsitselffromthepoor,themigrants,theexcluded,wewanttoopenthedoors
tohospitality.o InaworldwhereyoungpeopleliveunderinfinityofmodelsthathijackChristianvalues,wewantto
accompanythemtoafuturewithfaithandhope.o Inaworldwheretheeconomicbenefitcountsmorethantheenvironmentalsustainabilityofthe
planet,wewanttoliveandtakecareofacommonhouseforallhumanity.ColloquyAnimaChristi.SoulofChrist,sanctifyme.BodyofChrist,saveme.BloodofChrist,inebriateme.WaterfromthesideofChrist,washme.PassionofChrist,strengthenme.OGoodJesus,hearme.Withinyourwoundshideme.Permitmenottobeseparatedfromyou.Fromthewickedfoe,defendme.Atthehourofmydeath,callmeandbidmecometoyouThatwithyoursaintsImaypraiseyouForeverandever.Amen.
UAPRetreatDay6Exercise13
TheSevenLastSayingsofJesusontheCross.
Theimage:TheimageofChristinSaintFrancisXavierCastle(13thCentury).ManyJesuitsthroughouthistoryhaveprayedinfrontofthisimage,especiallythemissionarieswhowenttofarawaylandslikeSt.FrancisXavier.LookingathisfacehelpsustofeelbesideChristinhisPassion.Throughouthislife,Jesusopenedhisarmstoembraceallofus.Onthecross,withhisarmswideopen,hereachedthemostvulnerablepositionamancanbein.
AskingforGraceIaskforthegraceofbecomingonewithChrist’sfeelingsonthecross,soastofeelclosertothepainandgriefhesufferedbecauseofus.Textsandguidelinesforprayer:
IgothroughthepassionofChrist,lettingespeciallyChrist’slastsevensayingsonthecrossresoundwithinme.Identifyinghiswordsinmylifeandcontextsasacallforconversionandactioninfavourofthosewhoneedreconciliationandjustice.
● Luke23:34:Father,forgivethem,fortheyknownotwhattheydo.
o Forgiveness:Fortheperpetrators,forthosewhokilltheinnocent,forthosewhokeepquiet,forthosewhodeny,forthosewhohide...
o Jesusforgivesnotbecausewedeserveit,butbecausehebringsmercyandnotrevengeoranger.o Hedoesnotdenyorjustifywhatisunjust;heopensotherwaysevenfromthecross.("without
forgivenessthereisnofuture"DesmondTutu)o Whoarethosethat"don'tknowwhatthey'redoing"intoday’sworld?Whoarethevictimswhoopen
newpaths?● Mark15:34MyGod,MyGod,whyhaveyouforsakenme?
o Psalm22.WeneedGodtotouchwithhisblessingourexperiencesofemptinessandabandonment.o "There’snosolitudeinwhichyoudon'tgrowstrong"(JoséLuisBlancoVega,SJ)o DoyourecallexperiencesofabandonmentandabsenceofGod?Ontheotherhand,calltomind
momentsoffaithandtrust?● Luke23:43:Truly,Isaytoyou,todayyouwillbewithmeinparadise.
o ThegoodthiefseessomethinginJesusthatbringsachangeofheart.IfIwereinhissameposition,wouldIbeabletoshowthesamefaithinJesus?
o Jesuswelcomeshisrequestandopenshisdoorswideopen.God'shearthasaplaceforeveryone.Hewantstoprepareaplaceforus.
o Heisalwaystheshepherdofthelostsheep.● John19:26–27:Woman,beholdyourson.Son,beholdyourmother
o TogetherwithMaryIrememberthesorrowfulmothersofalltimeso OurLadyisthefirstwomanofthenewhumanity.Shehasopenedtousthehomeofthefollowersof
Jesus.o Whoarethemenandwomenwhomaketoday’snewhumanity?
● John19:28:Ithirst.o Jesusknowsthelimitsofhumanthirsto It'sabasicneedthatmakeshimshoutfromthecross.o TheChristianresponse:"Iwillbetheonetoquenchyourthirst"SaintTheresaofCalcutta
● Luke23:46:Father,intothyhandsIcommitmyspirit.
o TheyarewordsofprofoundtrustinGodasasafeplaceinlifeanddeath.o TrustintheFatherisnotsomethingimposed.Itdoesnotgiveprefabricatedanswerstohumanpainbut
allowsustolivetheprocessesofmourning.o WhatarethesituationsofpainthatIleaveinGod'shands?
● John19:30:Itisaccomplished
o Everythingisblessed,everythingisassumed,everythingissaved...inChrist.o Wheneverythinghumanisassumed,theincarnationisfulfilledo Thegrainofwheathasdiedandfallentotheground...fidelitywillbearfruit.
ColloquyAnimaChristi.SoulofChrist,sanctifyme.BodyofChrist,saveme.BloodofChrist,inebriateme.WaterfromthesideofChrist,washme.PassionofChrist,strengthenme.OGoodJesus,hearme.Withinyourwoundshideme.Permitmenottobeseparatedfromyou.Fromthewickedfoe,defendme.Atthehourofmydeath,callmeandbidmecometoyouThatwithyoursaintsImaypraiseyouForeverandever.Amen.
UAPRetreatDay7Exercise14
WordsofResurrection
Theimage:Ibeginthisretreatbyimaginingmylifeoffaithasaflowingriver.ThinkingofthepresenceoftheRisenLordIcannotforgettheimageofthewateroflifethatispresentineverything.AskingforGrace«ToaskforwhatIwant,andhereitwillbetoaskforgracetofeelgladnessandtorejoiceintenselyoverthegreatgloryandjoyofChristOurLord»[SpEx221].Onceagain,thecenterofourprayeristoshareJesus’experience,anexperienceoffullnessandfulfilment.Jesusshouldbethecenterofourlives,notus.Thisde-centeringofourlivesissomethingwemustbearinmindatalltimes. TextsandguidelinesforprayerTheresurrectionofJesusisthePassoverfromdeathtolife.TheresurrectionisanewrelationshipwithGodthatgeneratesamoreauthenticanddeeperlifeforthosewhowanttofollowHim.
o LettherisenLordreachyourlifeashedidwithhisdisciples,withMaryMagdalene,withhisMother...o LetyourselfbefoundthroughJesusinthetomb,inthegarden,inthecenacle,inallthewaysandpathsof
yourlife.o IntheResurrectionofJesustherearewordsoflife.Gothroughthesayingsoftheresurrectionpassagesand
asktheLordtoaccompanyyouinyourjourneyfromdeathtolifewhereveryouneeditmost.Peacebewithyou(fromanxietyanddistresstohopeandpeace)
● Luke24:36-36Whiletheywerestilltalkingaboutthis,Jesushimselfstoodamongthemandsaidtothem,“Peacebewithyou.”
● John20:19-29-AgainJesussaid,“Peacebewithyou!Don’tbeafraid.Fromfeartoapostoliccourage
● Matthew28:10ThenJesussaidtothem,“Donotbeafraid.GoandtellmybrotherstogotoGalilee;theretheywillseeme.”
● Matthew28:20-andsurelyIamwithyoualways,totheveryendoftheage.”Community:Fromindividualismtounity
● John20:17-Goinsteadtomybrothersandtellthem,IamascendingtomyFatherandyourFather,tomyGodandyourGod.
● Luke24:13-33-TheygotupandreturnedatoncetoJerusalem.TheretheyfoundtheElevenandthosewiththem,assembledtogether34andsaying,“Itistrue!TheLordhasrisen.
Mission:Fromdispersiontolivewithamission
● Matthew28:19-20-Thereforegoandmakedisciplesofallnations,baptizingtheminthenameoftheFatherandoftheSonandoftheHolySpirit,andteachingthemtoobeyeverythingIhavecommandedyou.
● Mark16:15Hesaidtothem,“Gointoalltheworldandpreachthegospeltoallcreation.● John21:1-25-Hesaid,“Throwyournetontherightsideoftheboatandyouwillfindsome.”…● John20:19-29-AstheFatherhassentme,Iamsendingyou.”
Discernment:frombeingdistractedtobecentredintheHolySpirit● Luke24:13-33-AndbeginningwithMosesandalltheProphets,heexplainedtothemwhatwassaidinallthe
Scripturesconcerninghimself.● John20:19-29-Andwiththathebreathedonthemandsaid,“ReceivetheHolySpirit.Ifyouforgiveanyone’s
sins,theirsinsareforgiven;ifyoudonotforgivethem,theyarenotforgiven.”…Witnesses:fromsharingsecond-handstoriestobefirst-linetestimonies
● Luke24:45-48-ThenheopenedtheirmindssotheycouldunderstandtheScriptures.Hetoldthem,“Thisiswhatiswritten:…Youarewitnessesofthesethings.
PersonalrelationshipwithGod:Fromdistancetoreconciliationandblessing
● John20:11-18Heaskedher,“Woman,whyareyoucrying?Whoisityouarelookingfor?”…Jesussaidtoher,“Mary.”
● John20:19-29-ThenJesustoldhim,“Becauseyouhaveseenme,youhavebelieved;blessedarethosewhohavenotseenandyethavebelieved.”
● John21:1-25-AgainJesussaid,“SimonsonofJohn,doyouloveme?”Colloquy:ItalktotheRisenLordsharingmyprayer.Whichofhiswordsresonatesmoststronglyinmetoday?andIfinishpraying“TakeLord,receive…”Take,Lord,andreceiveallmyliberty,mymemory,myunderstanding,andmyentirewill,AllIhaveandcallmyown.
Youhavegivenalltome.Toyou,Lord,Ireturnit.
Everythingisyours;dowithitwhatyouwill.Givemeonlyyourloveandyourgrace,thatisenoughforme.
UAPRetreatDay7Exercise15
AllintheSameBoatwithHim
TheimageTheseashorewithJesus.IimaginemycommunityandmyselfduringamomentofrestwiththeLord,sharingthefruitofourwork.Texts:
● John21:1-17○ “I’mgoingouttofish,”SimonPetertoldthem,andtheysaid,“We’llgowithyou.”○ Hecalledouttothem,“Friends,haven’tyouanyfish?”○ Jesuscame,tookthebreadandgaveittothem,anddidthesamewiththefish.○ Jesusaskedhimthethirdtime,“Doyouloveme?”Hesaid,“Lord,youknowallthings;youknowthatIlove
you.”Jesussaid,“Feedmysheep”.
● Fr.General:PartIII:Thenecessarypersonal,communal,andinstitutionalconversion
Receivingthepreferencesmeansthatweinitiatetheirimplementationimmediatelybychanginganystylesoflifeorworkthathindertherenewalofthepersons,communities,andworkscommittedtomission.Weareinspiredbytheresponseofthefirstapostles,whopromptlyabandonedtheirnetsandtheirlivesasfishermeninordertosetoutonthepathofdiscipleshipfollowingJesus.(Pg.8)
Makingourcommunitiesspacesforcommunaldiscernmentwherealifeofprayerisencouraged,theEucharistissharedandspiritualconversationispracticedenablesustosharethegiftofdiscernmentasawayoflettingourselvesbeguidedbytheSpiritinapostolicworksandinallministries.Livingsimply,closetothepoor,awakensthecreativityweneedtodomorewithless,anditgivesgreatercredibilitytoourapostolicworkofferedfreelytoothers.(Pg.9)
Itcorrespondstous,asabodyobedienttotheHolySpirit,toplanwithdiligencetheimplementationofthepreferencesineverydimensionofourlife-mission.Thepreferencesseektounleashaprocessofapostolicrevitalizationandcreativitythatmakesusbetterservantsofreconciliationandjustice.(Pg.9)
Letusundertakethisprocess,designingitandassessingitinaccordwithpersons,times,andplacesinthelightoftheChurch’sorientationsandtheSpirit’sguidance.(Pg.10)
● SaintIgnatius:"Loveoughttomanifestitselfmorebydeedsthanbywords."ContemplationtoAttainLove-SpiritualExercises230-237
AskingforGraceIaskGodfortheinteriorknowledgeofsuchgreatgoodreceived,sothat,beingmovedtoprofoundgratitude,me,mycommunityandprovincemaybeabletoloveandserveHisDivineMajestyinallthings.
Guidelinesforprayer
● ReadtheGospeltextandimaginethescene.ContemplatethewayJesus,throughHisresurrection,gathersthecommunityofdisciplesaroundthework,theEucharistandthepersonalrelationshipwitheachoneofus.
● LikeSt.PetertherearetimeswhenwejumpintothewatertolookforJesus,butthentherearetimeswhenwegetdistractedcounting153fishwhenJesusisbesideus.ThenewapproachtotheUAPsfocusesnoton“action”,buton“conversion”thatleadstoaction.AretheredistractionsinourpersonalandcommunitylifewhichwecanworkontoembracetheconversionthattheUAPsaskofus?
● ReadthethirdpartofFr.General'sletterandimaginepossiblestepswhichcouldhelpourcommunityto
shareinthespiritualpaththathasopeneditselftouswiththeUAPs.
● OnlyrecognitionandgratitudeforsomuchgoodreceivedcanhelpustofollowJesusclosely.Morethanthreetimeswewillaskourselvesif,inspiteofeverything,weloveHim;andHewillcontinuegivingusamissionsaying"feedmysheep".
Colloquy:ConversationwithGodPresenttotheRisenLordyourlightsandshadows,yourcertaintiesanddistractions,bothinpersonalandcommunitylife,andaskforthegracetolivetheconversionthatenablesustoparticipateinChrist'smission.AsktheintercessionofOurLadytohelpusremainclosetoHerSoninthedevelopmentoftheUAPs.
UAPRetreatDay8Exercise16
AttainingLoveTheimageIsaiah49:17Thosewhobuildyougofasterthanthosewhodemolishyou.Sp.Ex.230-231.First,loveoughttomanifestitselfmorebydeedsthanbywords.Second,loveconsistsinamutualcommunicationbetweentwopersons.Thatis,theonewholovesgivesandcommunicatestothebelovedwhatheorshehas,orapartofwhatonehasorcanhave;andthebelovedinreturndoesthesametothelover.Thus,iftheonehasknowledge,onegivesittotheotherwhodoesnot,andsimilarlyinregardtohonorsorrichesAskingforGraceToaskfortheinteriorknowledgeofallthegoodnessIhavereceived,inorderthat,stirredtoprofoundgratitude,Imaybeabletoloveandserveinallthings.Textsandguidelinesforprayer:
● Sp.Ex230-237–FollowtheIgnatiancontemplationsteps.○ God’smemory(SE234).Todiscoverourhistoryoutoflove:LovedbytheOnewhohasgivenmelife
(creation).Lovedbyhiminthisorthatoccasion(andalways)ashehasalwaysbeen“mySaviour”(redemption).
○ God’sdwelling(SE235).Hedoesnotonlygrantusthegift,butHispresence.Loveisneverfaraway.Itisfollowingthenotion,“I’llbewithyou”,asJesussaidmanytimes.
○ God’slaborsandwork(SE236).Hedoesnotonlygrantusgiftsanddwellsinallofus,butHeisdoingsoforme.Rememberwithloveallthosepeoplewhohavegivenyouagiftthattheyhavemadethinkingaboutyou.
○ Allisagift(SE237).“Allthegoodthingsandgiftsdescendfromabove”.ThereisnoothersourceofgoodnessbutGodandwhatHegivesmeisapartofHimself,“justastherayscomedownfromthesun,ortherainsfromtheirsource...”;forthisreason,thereistheemotionofthosewhoseeyesareenlightenedfromtheheart.GodisdescendingsothatthesmallestmaybeatHisheight.
○ TakeLordReceive…
● Psalm13-God’sWorkinCreationandinHistory○ GivethankstotheLord,forheisgood,forhissteadfastloveenduresforever.
▪ Irewritethepsalmofmylife.Idomyownreadingasabelieverofmylastdays,months,years...▪ Igivethanksforthesuccessesandforthestrength,butImightalsowanttoconsiderbeing
gratefulformyweaknessesandapparentfailures
● Deuteronomy8:7-18–BlesstheLordforthegoodlandgiventoyou.o FortheLordyourGodisbringingyouintoagoodland…o TakecarethatyoudonotforgettheLordyourGod…
▪ IfacethetemptationofforgettingwhenIdwellinthePromisedLand.▪ AlwaysremembertheOnewhogaveyoustrengthtoreachyourwealth.
Contemplativeway:Thetenleppers-Luke17:11-19
○ Thenoneofthem,whenhesawthathewashealed,turnedback,praisingGodwithaloudvoice.HeprostratedhimselfatJesus’feetandthankedhim.AndhewasaSamaritan.ThenJesusasked,“Werenottenmadeclean?Buttheothernine,wherearethey?WasnoneofthemfoundtoreturnandgivepraisetoGodexceptthisforeigner?”Thenhesaidtohim,“Getupandgoonyourway;yourfaithhasmadeyouwell.”▪ Wherearetheothernine?WhereareyouwhenyoufeeltheactionofGod?AmIoneofthose
nineattimes?Letmeaskforconversion.▪ FeeltheasymmetrybeforeGodatthemomentofthankingandworshippinghim.▪ LearnfromtheSamaritans,foreigners,andtheonesinshadows.▪ Yourgratefulfaithleadsyoutoanewwayoflivinginthankfulness
ColloquyLetyourheartpouroutachantasareplytoallthegoodreceived:TAKE,LORD,ANDRECEIVE...
UAPRetreatDay8
Exercise17
AnExerciseofReform
1. Iaskforahumble,pureandfreeattitude.Theimagenowistheimageofmyselfattheenoftheretreat:Myownimage.
Ringthebellsthatstillcanring Forgetyourperfectoffering Thereisacrackineverything That’showthelightgetsin.(LeonardCohen)
2. Ireadthereviewingprayers.IseetheoriginanddirectionofthosemomentsinwhichIhaveexperiencedconsolation,inner peace, calmness, spiritual harmony, light… I alsofocus on those moments in which I have experienceddesolation,anxiety,obscurity,lackofhope…
3. IwritedowninafewwordsatitleforallmyexperienceoftheExercisesupuntilnow,somethingexpressingthecoreofthesedays.IcouldrecallatextfromtheGospelinwhichthat nuclear aspect is well depicted, or simply a passagethathasbeenmoremeaningfultomeduringthesedays.
4. I remember as a given gift the action verbs of the fourUniversalApostolicPreferences:
• ShowingthewaytoGodthroughtheSpiritualExercisesanddiscernment
• Walkingwiththeexcluded.Walkwiththepoor,theoutcastsoftheworld,thosewhosedignityhasbeenviolated,inamissionofreconciliationandjustice.
• Journeyingwithyouth.Accompanyingyoungpeopleinthecreationofahope-filledfuture.
• Caring for our common home. Collaboratewith Gospel depth, for the protection and renewal ofGod’sCreation.
5. WhichattitudesshouldIdeepenintotomakethetitlebecomemorerealinmylifeaccordingtotheUAPs?Iput3,andthentake justone.Forexample:simplicity,cleanness,honesty,unionwithGod, trust,patience,mission, letmyselfbe loved,attention,community,masteringmytime,beingclosertothesufferingoftheworld,help,respect…
6. WhichmeanscouldIput?Ilookforthepossible,nottheimpossible;theordinary,nottheextraordinary,thesimple,notthecomplex…Forexample,prayer,bemorewithpeople,community,personalaccompaniment,dutiesathome,dailyexam,sacraments…Butanymeanshastobespecifictobeevaluated:vaguenessleadstoreformnothing.
7. Colloquy. Ioffer ittotheLordandseekconfirmation.TheThirdandFourthWeeksaremomentsespeciallyadequatetoconfirmoradaptthereform.
TheReformisnothingmore–orless–thanthewayGodencouragesustocarrytheExercisestooureverydaylife
PrayfromgratitudeandforgratitudeKeepthisrecipeforyourlife:
- Toknowwhatisgoodistoacknowledgewhohasshownittoyouandgivenittoyou.- Gratitudeisaspontaneousandlearnableattitude.- Gratitudecanbechoseninthefaceofattitudesofcomplaintorresentment.Butbewareofhurtingyourself:
youcanalsorecognizewhatisunjustandcomplainaboutit.AskGodtohealyourexperienceoftime:
- Facedwiththeunhealthynostalgiaofthepast…showgratitude- Inthefaceofunnecessaryanguishforthefuture...showgratitude
AskGodtomatureinyourspirituallifeandinacceptingsuccessandfailurealike
- Inconsolation,whenprideandself-sufficiencyappear,whenthereisariskofscepticismandnotneedingGod...insistongratitude
- Indesolation,whenweseeandfeelnothing,wecancomplain,whilelookingforsourcesoftrustandgratitudeallalong.
- Insuccess:"ThankyouLordforwithyoueverythingwouldhavebeenmuchbetter"- Infailure:"ThankyouLordforwithoutyouallthiswouldhavebeenmuchworse"
Gratitudeasthemosthumanlyhealthyrootofourcommitment
o Thinkingisthanking.(DenkenistDanken)–MartinHeideggero ToloveanotherpersonistoseethefaceofGod.VictorHugo,LesMiserables
PsalmsofGratitudeYourrighthandsustainsme;Youstoopdowntomakemegreat.Youmaderoomformysteps.(Psalm18)BlessedbetheLord,forhehasheardmyvoiceasIpleadformercy.TheLordismystrengthandmyshield;inhimmyhearttrusts.Iamsustained,andmyheartleapsforjoy,andwithmysongIpraisehim.(Psalm28)BlessedbetheLord,whoseunfailingloveformewaswonderful…InsuddenalarmIsaid,‘Iamshutoutfromyoursight’;ButyouheardmypleawhenIcalledtoyouforhelp.(Psalm31)Ishallpraiseyou…forourunfailingloveisashighastheheavens;yourfaithfulnessreachestheskies.(Psalm57)ThusallmylifeIblessyou…Icallyoutomindmybedandmeditateonyouinthenightwatches,
foryouhavebeenmyhelpandIamsafeintheshadowofyourwings.Ifollowyoucloselyandyourighthandupholdsme.(Psalm63)Ishallpraiseyou,LordmyGod,withallmyheart.Andgivehonourtoyournameforever.Foryourlovetowardsmeisgreat,andyouhaverescuedmefromthedepthsofSheol.(Psalm86)ItisgoodtogivethankstotheLord…Todeclareyourloveinthemorningandyourfaithfulnesseverynight…Youracts,Lord,fillmewithexultation;Ishoutintriumphatyourmightydeeds.Howgreatareyourdeeds,Lord,Howverydeepareyourthoughts!(Psalm92)BlesstheLord,mysoul,andforgetnoneofhisbenefits.Hepardonsallmywrongdoingsandhealsallmyills.Herescuesmefromdeath’spitandcrownsmewithloveandcompassion.Hesatisfiesmewithallgoodintheprimeoflife.(Psalm103)