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Ignatius, founder of the Jesuits, gained many insights into the
spiritual life through his personal spiritual journey.
He gathered his insights, prayers and suggestions in the book
which is known as The Spiritual Exercises.
The Exercises are a series of meditations where the life of
Christ and the life of the person praying them interact.
Much use is made of imaginative contemplation using stories from
the Gospels.
The Exercises themselves take about a month - 30-days - if
done on a full-time basis, or over 9 months to a year if done in daily life. (both are offered via the
Ignatian Spirituality Centre, Glasgow)
The idea of the Exercises is to deepen the personal knowledge of
Christ and the desire to follow and imitate Him.
The Exercises are seen as a school of discernment and are often
undertaken by those who would like to discern the way forward in
life - how to follow God's will more perfectly.
Throughout his life Ignatius exhibited an exceptional capacity
to help others deepen their experience of and relationship with
God.
He was keen on engaging people in conversations which encouraged
them to reflect on their own lives and what was most important
to them - their deepest desire.
His spirituality has a very positive view of people. Deep
down, he believed, we are all most contented - in 'consolation'
was his favourite term - when we are doing the will of
God.
And the will of God wants the best for us.
Books on Ignatian Spirituality on Amazon
Review of a film on Ignatius in English despite its Spanish
title - Ignacio de Loyola
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