This article is on rules 7 8 and 9 of the first set of rules for discernment in
the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, (#320-322). It offers a theological perspective on the alternation of consolation and desolation which Ignatius talks about in these rules, and uses that perspective to better explain these rules. It it indebted to the excellent work of Fr. Timothy Gallagher. NEW JANUARY 10, 2012
This brief article is based on a presentation made to an ecumenical retreat for those in formation at the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax. It is my effort to reflect for the first time on the distinction often made today between spirituality and religion. JANUARY 21 2011
This 2010 article arises out of a recent work-shop. The enneagram is a system of personal self-discovery which came out of an esoteric tradition. It has been found useful by many counsellors and spiritual directors, but it needs to be transposed out of its original context into one based on Christian spiritual teaching. We do so with the help of Paul's anthropology and theology of grace, and Ignatius' own keen insights into spiritual dynamics. Thus our presentation's Pauline and Ignatian flavour. REVISED JUNE 26 2010
This 2006 article deals with the structure of the Exercises as a whole. It begins by showing how the entire progression of the Exercises is foreshadowed in the Principle and Foundation, and develops the movement through the four weeks as a progression towards election, followed by progression from election to implementation. REVISED NOV. 25 2009
The saying quoted above, not directly from Ignatius, is referred to as an Ignatian paradox. Some would reverse it to say that we should pray as if everything depended on God and act as if everything depended on us. Building on the previous article, this appendix seeks to justify the original presentation of this saying.
This 2009 article tries to understand what Ignatius was up to in devising the second week as he did, with its special meditations. It offers many practical pointers for one accompanying a person who has entered into the second week dynamic towards choice. It arises out of a work-shop given to persons preparing to be spiritual directors under the aegis of the Atlantic Association for Spiritual Exercises Ministry (AASEA) in St. John NB.
This 2009 article is the expansion of a course at the Jesuit Centre of Spirituality in Halifax. It begins by explaining the received tradition of three stages of spiritual progress, purgative, illuminative, and unitive, continues with the creative contribution of Richard of St. Victor, a noted 12th century spiritual author, and ends with the four weeks of the Ignatian Exercises, showing how the the three stages and the four weeks can come together. REVISED DEC. 28, 2009.
This 2008 article arises out of the experience of a workshop on Communal Apostolic Discernment offered in Rome in January 2008. Half the participants were Jesuits, and the others lay persons deeply committed to the Ignatian project.Is there an Ignatian identity distinct from a Jesuit identity, and what are the implications of this? Recent General Congregations of the Society, including the most recent, GC 35, have engaged this question, vital at a time of increased collaboration.
