Loyola – Listening to the Inner Movements

[VERŻJONI MALTIJA]

Grace:  To become aware of the inner movements that lead toward God and those that lead away from Him.

Pause: Notice your breathing and see what is stirring inside you.

From the Autobiography: Ignatius’ turning point  at Loyola

Ignatius, recovering from a brutal leg injury that left him bedridden, first passed the time with daydreams of chivalry and gaining the heart of a specific noble lady. These fantasies absorbed him for hours and gave him temporary pleasure, but afterward left him empty and sad.

Since there were no romance nor chivalry books in the house, he was given The Life of Christ and The Flowers of the Saints. As he read them repeatedly, new spiritual desires awakened. He began imagining himself doing great things for God, asking: “What if I should do what St Francis did? What if I should act like St Dominic?” These thoughts brought him lasting joy, unlike the worldly fantasies that left him dry.

Gradually he noticed this difference – his first experience of discernment of spirits. Thoughts of God brought enduring consolation; thoughts of vanity brought sadness. This insight later became the foundation of the Spiritual Exercises.

Spiritual Exercises 315: “It is characteristic of the good spirit to give courage and strength, consolations, tears, inspirations, and peace.”

• During his convalescence, Ignatius came to recognise the difference between what truly brought him joy in life and what gave him only temporary pleasure.  I pay attention to what I feel in my heart.
• Ignatius was able to understand his real desires because he found himself in a place of peace and quiet. I reflect on the things that distract me from recognising what truly lies deep within my heart.
• God communicated with Ignatius in a way that he could understand. I recognise that God walks alongside me at my own pace, and I pray that I may recognise His presence and action in my life.

Ignatius’ slow conversion mirrors the gentle, patient way Jesus heals the blind man in today’s passage. Neither man receives clarity all at once. Like Ignatius the blind man allowed Christ to lead him and heal him.

Biblical Text: Mk 8:22-26

Read the following text slowly with an open heart.

“They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the man’s eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. Jesus sent him home, saying, “Don’t even go into the village.”

Points for reflection:

• Which thoughts leave me feeling more alive, hopeful, or peaceful?
• Where in my life do I sense Jesus taking me by the hand and leading me gently away from noise or discouragement? Where is He gently encouraging me toward right now?
• What “partial sight” am I living with, places where I do not see clearly? What might Jesus be inviting me to trust in the slow, repeated work of healing?

Conversation: I turn to God/Jesus and speak to Him as I would to someone who knows and loves me deeply.

• I share what is in my heart, my joys, worries, struggles and hopes.
• I choose one small action I feel I wish to carry into my daily life.
• I offer my gratitude for __________— I ask for guidance if I still lack clarity.

Jot down your thoughts and prayers.