Apostleship of PrayerSpirituality
THE SPIRITUAL EXERCISES OF ST. IGNATIUS
At the very basis of the Exercises is the USE OF THE IMAGINATION, on which Ignatius builds all his prayer -- it is his point of departure. For what Ignatius calls meditation is really based on the use of the imagination and the intellect operates within that mode; though the intellect is being used it is used in the framework set up by the imagination. Whereas for his contemplation the suggested mode is the use of the senses within the mode of the imagination. Ignatius encourages a person to get into touch with the real self through the imagination and thorough the material it brings to the surface from the unconsciousness. Though his language may be archaic, Ignatius' psychology is well within the forefront of the psychological work of this age.
Another one of the essential characteristics of Ignatian Spirituality derived from the Exercises is SERVICE OUT OF LOVE, e.g. Apostolic Service in the steps of Jesus Christ our Redeemer in union with Him, by the same ways He chose to walk. This SERVICE OUT OF LOVE is constantly emphasized throughout the Exercises; due to inspiration from them; it is found also in the General Examen and the Constitutions of the Society of Jesus. It is stressed even more than the theme of giving praise and glory to God, which is after all but a counterpart and an explanation of the same reality.
Let us look at a few common Ignatian expressions:
END OF SERVICE 159 (23 Ex., 21 Gen. Examen, 115 Const.)
END OF GLORY TO GOD 118 (11 Ex., 17 Gen. Examen., 90 Const.)
END OF PRAISE 34 (16 Ex., 6 Gen. Examen, 12 Const.)
Therefore, beyond any doubt, APOSTOLIC SERVICE OUT OF LOVE in the footsteps of Christ our Redeemer, in union with Him, by the very ways that He walked, constitutes the one of the most essential element of the Spirituality within the Exercises, and of the Society derived from them.
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