Experiencing the World in an Ignatian Way

By Edmund, Lo, S.J.

(Image: Warner Bros.)

Towards the end of the film The Matrix, the main character Neo sees everything around him as computer codes. He realizes that he is situated within a computer-generated virtual reality. He begins to understand what makes the world go 'round. More importantly, not only is he seeing reality as it is; he is experiencing it. I think that this leads to an interesting question: how do we experience the reality that makes the world go 'round? It is not my intention that this be considered in an abstract way. I would first consider this from a Christian angle, and then an specifically Ignatian one.

From a Christian perspective, the answer to this question is clear: it is God who makes the world go 'round. How do we experience it? An easy answer is love. Songs have been written on this, and it has been crooned to us for many years: Love Makes the World Go 'Round. This is true in many ways, but it would be insufficient if we only understand love as the warm sentiment that makes us feel good. We often run into problems when we ask ourselves how we are to experience God who is love. I propose that the Ignatian lens comes in handy in this situation. More specifically, it is the way we first understand and then experience spiritual consolation and desolation in our lives.

Praying Feelings: Ignatian Spirituality and The Discernment of Spirits

By Eric Hanna, S.J.

http://www.allistoncf.com

With the election of Pope Francis as the Bishop of Rome, questions about Jesuits and Ignatian spirituality have surfaced in both religious and secular circles. In light of this, the contributors of Ibo et Non Redibo have decided to launch a blog series on Ignatian spirituality. Our next six blog entries will attempt to introduce some key principles by which Jesuits live, and how these insights may be useful to the Church and to the world. The following is the first entry.

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“The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart.” —Romans 10:8, Deuteronomy 30:14

“We ought to note well the course of our thoughts, and if the beginning, middle and end are good.” —The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius Loyola

The very basics of Ignatian spirituality are feelings. Christ loves you unconditionally for who you are. Exploring your own feelings and opening them up to Christ opens up relationship with him as a trusted friend, one who knows you intimately. We can't force ourselves to love – but if we honestly express what we really feel, we will experience love from its source. With time and practice, the discernment of spirits allows you to turn like a plant following the sun, gaining nourishment and growing strong in order to bear fruit for others.