These spiritual exercises were developed in the 16th century by St. Ignatius of Loyola as the basis of spiritual development for initiates in his new order, the Society of Jesus, more commonly known as the Jesuits. For the time, these exercises were quite practical and concrete spiritual practices, and they continue to form the foundation for many contemplative retreats both inside and outside of the Jesuit order. The Examination (or Examen) is the central practice of these exercises, and it provides a way of taking stock of the sin in one’s life, and it is often used independently of the rest of the exercises. Still, due to our present-day focus on shame, it may be difficult to see the value in the Examination and the other exercises.
In order to recapture the original spirit of the practice, I’m suggesting a “translated” version of Ignatius’ Exercises. The point we are seeking is that the struggles, difficulties, and weaknesses of our lives are the places that God can show up and bring change. Our struggles can be opportunities to get past our own self-importance in order to see God a little more clearly … if we’ll allow it.
Conversations with Christ – every week
With the meditation for the day, imagine yourself having a talk with Jesus about the passage/question on which you are thinking.
Use your senses here – Are you walking with Jesus, standing, sitting? Where do the two of you meet? What do you see and hear around Jesus? What does Jesus look like? How does he talk to you? What is it like to have Jesus just listen to you? Try to picture the scene as fully in your head as possible.
You may want to journal, write, draw, paint, talk out loud, email, post to social media, walk in nature, gaze at the stars, or any other relaxing activity as you picture this “conversation” happening.