Ignatius of Loyola and the Spiritual Exercises: A Journey of Conversion and Service
St. Ignatius of Loyola and the Spiritual Exercises
Conversion and Inspiration
In his autobiography, Ignatius resolved to imitate the saints. This conversion was sparked by a life-changing experience during his recovery from a battle injury. While bedridden, he read the life of Christ and the lives of the saints of Castilian. Through these readings, he recognized the difference between the spirits that were stirring within him, one from the devil and the other from God. This led him to reflect on his past life and the need for penance. It was at this point that the desire to imitate the saints came to him.
Personal Access to Scripture
In Ignatius’s time, personal access to the Bible was uncommon. Christian devotion typically relied on shorter works of spirituality. During his recovery, Ignatius found inspiration in two texts: a life of Christ and the lives of the saints of Castilian.
Plans and Fears
After his recovery, Ignatius planned to travel to Jerusalem and engage in rigorous disciplines and fasts. However, he feared that his punishment might deter others from following the Lord’s path.
The Spiritual Exercises
In his Spiritual Exercises, Ignatius emphasized the purpose of human existence: to praise, reverence, and serve God.
The Jesuits
Ignatius of Loyola, along with Peter Faber and Francis Xavier, founded the Society of Jesus, known as the Jesuits.
Mission of the Jesuits
According to the 32nd Congregation of the Society of Jesus, the mission of the Jesuits today is the service of faith, which includes the promotion of justice. Reconciliation with God requires reconciliation among people.
Theological Claims of Rahner, Johnson, and Himes
Karl Rahner: God can be described as the depth of transcendence implicit in our interactions with each other and the world.
Elizabeth Johnson: The symbols of God are formed from cultural constructions of faith and community. Developing these symbols is a central mission for the church.
Michael Himes: We should give ourselves away in service to others. Christians should work to create communities where genuine love is realized.
Use of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral
Rahner, Johnson, and Himes each use the four sources from the Wesleyan Quadrilateral in their theological claims:
- Reason: Rahner uses transcendental Thomism.
- Experience: Rahner uses scientific rationalism and personal encounter.
- Tradition: Rahner uses accepted doctrines.
- Scripture: Rahner uses scripture in covenant with Jesus.
Rahner’s Central Claim and Its Relation to Johnson and Himes
Rahner’s central claim aligns with Johnson and Himes. Johnson believes that the way we talk about God is ever-changing based on cultural constructions. Himes believes we should give ourselves away in service.
Exclusive Use of Male God Language
Johnson argues that the exclusive use of male God language is both”religiously idolatrous and socially oppressive” She believes that God should be someone who everyone can relate to.
Himes’ Translation of Agape
Himes translates the word agape as”absolute, unconditional self-gift”
Agape and the Trinity
Agape is related to the incarnation. God is fully divine (revealing God’s nature, agape) and fully human (revealing the fullness of the human person).
Teleology
Teleology is the definition and identification of things by the ends (purposes) they are designed to serve.
Purpose of a Human Being
The purpose of a human being is to give oneself away in service to others.
Uniqueness of Human Action
Human actions are unique because we know what gives us joy and what we are good at. We can connect our joy and gifts to the world’s needs.
Solidarity
Solidarity is about valuing our fellow human beings and respecting their individuality.
The”White Moderat” in Martin Luther King Jr.’s”Letter from a Birmingham Jai”
The”white moderat” is a white minister who prefers to see laws changed through the court system rather than through direct action.
The”White Moderat” as a Stumbling Block to Racial Justice
The”white moderat” is a stumbling block to racial justice because they prioritize”orde” over justice and prefer a”negative peac” (absence of tension) to a”positive peac” (presence of justice).
Christian Commitment to Racial Justice
Massingale believes that most Catholics know that”racis” is wrong but lack a deep understanding of what racism actually is. He argues that a commitment to racial justice must be built on Ignatian principles, including a reclaiming of the Jesuits’ commitment to justice as an essential aspect of the Christian faith.
Charity and Justice
Charity is like friendship, targeting effects on an individual level. Justice, on the other hand, is structural, targeting causes and giving each person their due.